Within days of stepping into her new role as Managing Director of historic knitwear brand UKFT member John Smedley in April 2025, Jess McGuire Dudley chose to partner with our charity partner the Fashion & Textile Children's Trust (FTCT). This early initiative reflects her commitment to embedding staff wellbeing and charitable engagement into the core of John Smedley's operations."There is a real love between me and this business , and I am determined to ensure it thrives for decades to come," explained Jess earlier this year. Previously Deputy MD and Global Brand Director, she played an essential role in refreshing the brand's image and boosting its presence in global markets. Her appointment marks a renewed focus on strategically futureproofing John Smedley.Jess believes that staff wellbeing and morale are integral to any thriving business, saying:"John Smedley is the oldest, still manufacturing factory in the entire world, this takes us beyond just being a business and into the realms of an institution. One that other businesses and brands look too; I want this initiative to help inspire other brands whether heritage or contemporary to look to the wellbeing of their employees beyond just the workplace."In this conversation in collaboration with UKFT and FTCT, Jess shares her thoughts on supporting employees, fostering engagement within the UK textile industry and her leadership approach at John Smedley.Image: Jess McGuire Dudley.Jess, you made the decision to partner with FTCT within days of starting as John Smedley's new Managing Director. What motivated to act so quickly?Jess McGuire Dudley: "I first met Anna two years ago and was immediately struck by her passion and dedication to helping people - I knew I wanted to partner with her from the moment she described the brilliant work of the FTCT. I'm also a mother to two young children myself and having worked within the fashion industry for 18+ years I understand well the struggles that people within our industry can face, particularly within British manufacturing as businesses have become smaller or unfortunately closed over the years. Anything I can do on a personal level or our business at John Smedley can do to support our peers and the wider industry is something I am keen to do, and I am delighted to stand with the FTCT and other businesses to provide what support network we can to those in need."UKFT's charity partner FTCT is the only organisation dedicated to supporting children from families within the UK fashion and textile industry. It provides essential grants to families facing financial instability. Most recently, FTCT supported an employee at John Smedley based in Lea Mills, Derbyshire. Mum to a 16-year-old, Marie reached out to FTCT after suffering a health set-back. She said:"When I applied, I was going through a very rough time. I fell into heart failure, my cooker had a gas leak and my washing machine also broke. I had no chance of replacing either and couldn't get credit because I was signed off work.""The grant FTCT gave me helped so much. They not only gave me funding for the washing machine, but when they realised I was using a camping stove to cook our meals, they supplied a cooker for me too.""I want to continue this tradition by placing wellbeing and morale at the heart of our business, more than ever our responsibilities as an employer flex beyond the 9 to 5."Why is it important to you to embed this support so directly into John Smedley's wellbeing offer?Jess McGuire Dudley: "Our support is multifaceted and goes beyond just a financial contribution to the charity, we want to build an authentic and long-lasting partnership with the FTCT through donations, fund raising and employee activity. In fact, the FTCT partnership is the first project for our newly formed 'Culture Club' a council of employees from all levels of the business who will act as ambassadors for the FTCT internally and provide a shoulder for any staff to lean on, should they need it."Image: John Smedley's Derbyshire factory.FTCT CEO Anna Pangbournesaid: "Jess's passion and deep understanding of the support our grants can give to parents and families is so important, bringing integrity and commitment to the vital role FTCT can fulfil within the company. Our meeting with the 'Culture Club' was truly inspiring, hearing their ideas around best ways to signpost employees at John Smedley will undoubtedly bring immense value to our partnership.""It is vital that textile manufacturers across the UK are aware of the financial support our grants can give to parents in their workforce- regardless of their company size. Our partnership with the brilliant Jess and her exceptional team at John Smedley represents a huge opportunity to amplify our message and reach more families who can benefit from our services. We are extremely grateful to Jess for championing this partnership - her leadership sets a powerful example that we hope will inspire other companies across the industry to get on board and partner with us."Read next:How UK textile companies are embracing change to attract new talentHow does this initiative reflect John Smedley's values as a heritage manufacturer and employer in today's industry landscape?Jess McGuire Dudley: "Throughout our history we can see that the Smedley family have always valued their employees greatly and our archive houses some wonderful stories of support including how the family wrote to every employee sent out to war I & II and sent care packages to them and their families. I want to continue this tradition by placing wellbeing and morale at the heart of our business, more than ever our responsibilities as an employer flex beyond the 9 to 5."Image: John Smedley's Derbyshire factory.What advice would you give to other businesses in the sector considering a similar partnership with FTCT?Jess McGuire Dudley: "Do it! The charity is brilliant, and our sector needs time to re-build. Support employees current, historic or future wherever you can."FTCT CEO Anna Pangbourneadded: "We hope the example set by that Jess and the John Smedley team, shows how simple and impactful a partnership with the FTCT can be. By relieving the financial pressures faced by parents at home, working with FTCT can significantly enhance the workplace wellbeing and productivity of your team."UKFT CEO Adam Mansellsaid: "The work that FTCT does is invaluable and it's fantastic to see the growing partnership between John Smedley and FTCT. We're proud to support the charity's outstanding efforts and help raise awareness of its work within our expanding network.""UKFT do a brilliant job at connecting businesses, brands and charities together", Jess McGuire Dudley concluded. "The way they promote potential partnerships and opportunities for businesses to build plans together and bring them to fruition with their support is unrivalled."John Smedleyis a member of UKFT.Interested in becoming a member? We provide businesses from across the industry with knowledge and support that covers business essentials, sustainability, international business, skills, compliance, manufacturing and more. Click on the link below to find out more.BECOME A MEMBERGet in touch with theFashion & Textile Children's Trust (FTCT)to explore ways your business can get involved or apply for a grant. Contact FTCT CEO Anna Pangbourne atanna@ftct.org.uk.Read next:How UK textile companies are embracing change to attract new talent
