Highlights from Q3 2026 include:
MEMBERSHIP: The third quarter of 2026 has seen continued growth across all membership sectors, with new members increasingly seeking impartial guidance on regulatory and compliance challenges, evolving legislation and changing market requirements. This growth reinforces the value of membership in helping businesses navigate a complex operating environment, providing clarity and practical support to inform decisions and plan with confidence.
VOICE & ADVOCACY: UKFT's campaign to change the rules on UK public procurement to create a level playing field for UK manufacturers in technical textiles and garments is gathering traction, and we are working closely with key members, DBIST, Make UK and CBI to create the policy conditions needed for UK procurement to be possible. We have also raised the issue at the WTO. Our policy areas also include the renegotiation of the UK-EU trade agreement, a new agreement between the UK and Canada, a UK textiles EPR scheme and various other consultations.
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS: International trade and export support remain a core area of activity. The fashion events (Pitti Uomo, Paris Men’s and PreCollections) exceeded expectations. A key highlight was UKFT’s presence at CINTE Techtextil in Shanghai and we also attended Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics, where we had stands and produced booklets to showcase the UK industry.
COMPLIANCE & REGULATION: Our regulation and compliance team continued to work with members to ensure they are prepared and informed about evolving global requirements through targeted engagement, practical guidance and webinars covering supply chain governance, product regulation and trade. Key activity included securing clarification from the European Commission, contributing to policy development on digital product passports (DPPs), PFAS, textile waste, traceability and potential UK alignment with the EUDR, and expanding resources on major trade agreements and tariff changes.
SKILLS & TRAINING: Skills and workforce development remain a strategic priority. We are working on a project to review the current failing vocational skills system across the UK, specifically concentrating on textiles manufacture and associated sewn products. Finally, students completed paid placements through UKFT at a wide range of employers including Bristol Weaving Mill, Calderdale Carpets, Church’s Footwear, Lyle & Scott, Primark, Richard Quinn and Urban Outfitters.
INNOVATION & SUSTAINABILITY: For Innovation and Sustainability, the focus has been on expanding UKFT's sustainability offer through the launch of new member services; developing practical resources; supporting businesses with increasing sustainability and regulatory requirements; increasing innovation membership scouting, preparing and submitting key innovation and sustainability research projects; and sharing sustainability and innovation knowledge globally.
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!
.png)
