UKFT is committed to supporting the growth of the UK fashion and textile industry, with key activity focused around representation, business support, UK manufacturing, skills and training, international business and innovation.

Our Q2 2021 report outlines what we have been doing on behalf of our members, and the wider industry.

VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY

• Outlining the impact of Brexit on the UK fashion and textile industry
• UKFT x BFC Industry Government Forum
• British Brands: The best in homegrown fashion
• Best of British Textiles
• Showcasing the unique strengths of the UK fashion and textile industry
• Representing our interests in the media
• Growing the network

BUSINESS SUPPORT

• Sharing knowledge and experiences: Webinars and Surgeries
• Employment & HR service
• Work with our associate members
• Supporting fashion and textile start-ups through UKFT Rise

• Showcasing our industry’s Manufacturing Heroes
• MADE-IT Production Internships for design students
• Sew Connect: Addressing critical skills shortages and production vacancies
• Build Back Better – 5 priorities for UK fashion and textiles
• Championing young manufacturers
• Opportunities: PPE, grants and more

SKILLS & TRAINING

• Promoting careers to young people at Skills England
• UKFT’s Young Textile Technician Fund
• Securing the future of Vocational Qualifications in England
• Developing T Levels for Craft & Design
• Apprenticeships for Fashion and Textiles in England
• Expanding the apprenticeship training provider network
• Costume National Occupational Standard (NOS): Updated
• Scotland: SVQ in Leather, Sewn Products or Textiles Manufacturing
• Wales: Fashion and Textiles Academy proposed
• Northern Ireland: First apprentices in over a decade
• Production Sewing Machinist Training (Remote Learning Modules)

• Adapting to life beyond Brexit
• International tradeshows: Fashion
• Tradeshow Access Programme
• Brits in Tokyo: UKFT group stand at Project Tokyo
• International Tradeshows: Textiles
• Free Trade Agreements: Australia, New Zealand and India
• Gaining recognition for UK exporters

INNOVATION, R&D AND SUSTAINABILITY

• Sustainable Supply Chain Optimisation
• Future Fashion Factory
• Doctorate – Digitalisation in Textiles
• Virtual Bespoke Patterning research
• The Business of Fashion, Textiles and Technology (BFTT)
• Sustainability & Government Policy
• Textiles Circularity Centre
• Traceability for Sustainable Garment and Footwear
• Textiles 2030
• Institute for Positive Fashion
• Energy: Climate Change Levy
• The impact of Aftercare

UKFT SCOTLAND

• Scotland’s global aspirations
• Contemporary Scottish Lifestyle in Japan at Project Tokyo
• Industry Leadership Group (ILG)