UKFT does not offer investment or funding opportunities directly, other than for some very specific bursary schemes. However we can signpost a variety of available financial support for fashion and textile businesses. There are sources that can support your business in the areas of R&D, innovation, skills & training and more.
UKFT Members can access advice on available grants for innovation, as well as support to understand relevant funding opportunities available locally and nationwide. We can offer formal support to members’ funding bids where appropriate.
UKFT members can now access a city-by-city guide to official portals offering current grants and financial support for UK fashion and textile SMEs. This includes direct links to local council funding pages, Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) growth hubs and verified government-supported directories.
Each entry focuses specifically on active funding schemes, grants or financial support opportunities (not just general business advice). To help you navigate effectively, each link comes with a short description and evidence confirming that it leads to live funding or support options tailored for small to medium-sized businesses operating in that location.
Whether you’re a fashion start-up, an established textile manufacturer or a designer expanding production, this tool is designed to make finding relevant UK SME funding for fashion and textiles easier and more transparent.
The schemes and opportunities have been verified by our funding Associate Partner Innovation Tax.
Please note: Some of the funding opportunities are time sensitive i.e. not open indefinitely.
UKFT Members: To access your copy, contact info@ukft.org.
UKFT Associate Member: Innovation Tax
UKFT has partnered with Innovation Tax, which is a specialist in funding and grant support, to help our members navigate the funding landscape with ease. Innovation Tax can help you maximise financial opportunities such as R&D Tax Credits, Grants, Patent Box and Capital Allowances. Offering tailored guidance, application support and more, Innovation Tax streamlines the process for you.
There are many sources of funding available to support businesses and individuals across the fashion and textile sector. Find out more here.
For more information or to discuss how funding could work within your business please contact skillsandtraining@ukft.org.
Sources of funding:
Our charity partner that support the children of families involved in the UK fashion and textile industry
UKFT has partnered with Innovation Tax to help members navigate funding opportunities, including R&D Tax Credits, Grants, Patent Box and Capital Allowances. UKFT members receive a complimentary initial consultation.
R&D Tax Credits reward innovation in areas such as new fabric technologies, sustainable manufacturing, AI-driven design and smart textiles. Innovation Tax handles the full process, from assessment to HMRC submission, maximising tax savings and cash repayments.
Grant Funding provides non-repayable support for innovation, sustainability and new product development. Innovation Tax identifies relevant grants, builds compelling applications and manages compliance throughout.
Patent Box allows businesses to pay a reduced 10% corporation tax rate on profits from patented inventions — particularly valuable with the main Corporation Tax rate now at 25%. Innovation Tax helps identify eligible IP to maximise this benefit.
Capital Allowances offer tax relief on property, machinery and equipment investments. Innovation Tax identifies overlooked allowances and prepares detailed claims to accelerate relief and reduce tax liabilities.
To arrange a complimentary consultation, UKFT members can contact Sachin Chauhan, Director at Innovation Tax.
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