Productivity is not an abstract measure for a weaving business. It is felt in every production plan, changeover, maintenance decision, energy bill and conversation with a customer. With costs under pressure and expectations rising, manufacturers need a clear view of where investment can make a measurable difference.
The UKFT Weaving Conference 2026: Innovating for Productivity has been built around that need. Taking place at Cedar Court Hotel in Huddersfield on Thursday 8 October, it is the UK’s only conference dedicated exclusively to innovation, technology and productivity in weaving manufacturing.
The opening session will set out the economic and strategic context. UKFT CEO Adam Mansell will introduce the day, followed by Huddersfield MP Harpreet Uppal and an economic outlook from Mark Jarvis of Fibre2Fashion. The discussion then moves quickly from context to application: machinery, automation, connected production, research, skills, energy, funding and customer priorities.
Delegates will hear from organisations working across the industry, including Vandewiele, Heathcoat Fabrics, Gemell, the Manufacturing Technology Centre, the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland, the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, Abraham Moon & Sons, Marks & Spencer, Pulsar, Margaret Howell and Alex Begg. Further speakers will be confirmed shortly.
The programme is relevant to mill owners, senior leaders, technical and innovation teams, production managers, supply chain partners and researchers. It also creates space for conversations between people who may approach productivity from different positions but share the same commercial pressures.
Registration opens at 9am, with a full day of conference sessions, dedicated networking over coffee and lunch, networking drinks and a dinner. For anyone reviewing the next stage of their manufacturing strategy, the value lies in having the machinery, technology, research and market perspectives in one room.
Secure your ticket for the UKFT Weaving Conference 2026 and join the industry in Huddersfield on 8 October.
Event details: 8 October 2026 | 9am–6pm, followed by networking dinner | Cedar Court Hotel, Huddersfield
KEY SPEAKERS:
Harpreet Uppal MP was born and raised in Fartown, Huddersfield, and now proudly represents the town in Parliament. Coming from a textile family, with her father working as a weaver, she has a strong appreciation of Huddersfield's manufacturing heritage and the vital role industry continues to play in the local economy.
After studying Politics and International Politics, Harpreet worked as Deputy Chief of Staff to Debbie Abrahams MP, contributed to Andy Burnham's successful 2017 mayoral campaign, and served as a Kirklees Councillor for Ashbrow Ward. Elected MP for Huddersfield in 2024, she now serves as a Government Whip, bringing both local insight and national experience to her role.
Mark Jarvis is the CEO and Founder of Textile IQ offering management consultancy for companies in the global textile sector seeking expertise in market analysis, product development, demand generation, strategic partnerships and revenue growth. Clients include global leader in textile media and information, Fibre2Fashion, where Mark leads strategic development and revenue growth. Previously, Mark was managing director of World Textile Information Network (WTiN) for 18 years, and a marketing communications director for Sony Consumer Products in Europe. Mark has a degree in Materials Science from the University of Bradford, UK and an MBA from the Open University, UK.
Fibre2Fashion (F2F) is a global Intelligence & Media platform for the Textiles, Apparel & Fashion industry. For over 25 years, F2F has been a forerunner in generating business opportunities, innovating marketing solutions and offering data-driven market intelligence for informed decision making.
Fibre2Fashion.com, with 800,000+ registered companies, over 5.0 million visits each year, and more than 100+ million hits annually, provides unparalleled global reach. Trusted by industry leaders, F2F is the leading resource for market intelligence leveraging technology and knowledge to create decision ready information. F2F has offices in India, UK and United States.
