At the heart of our work is a commitment to driving positive change across the UK fashion and textile industry. Here we explore some of the key issues impacting brands, designers, manufacturers, suppliers, educators and retailers, and their supply chains – both regionally and globally. From advocating for policy changes that support local manufacturing to addressing sustainability challenges or international trade barriers, we believe in practical solutions that secure the future of our UK industry.
Our key priorities include:
Export Support
Reinstate the Tradeshow Access Programme and enhance embassy support for UK fashion and textile companies abroad. This would provide significant returns on government investment, as demonstrated by past programmes, and support UK businesses in global markets. UKFT firmly believes that international trade shows, combined with sectoral missions, are a powerful tool to help smaller companies start exporting and expand their businesses. This type of activity also helps larger companies enter new markets, increasing demand for UK fashion and textiles around the world.
Net Zero and Circular Economy
Introduce a textile-specific Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme that rewards durability and penalises unsustainable practices. As outlined by our whitepaper last year, this type of system could generate £150 million annually to fund circular business models and promote sustainability in the industry.
Innovation funding
Increase funding for R&D, especially through Innovate UK, to directly benefit businesses rather than focusing predominantly on academic research. UKFT also seeks full funding (100%) for SMEs participating in innovation projects, enhancing accessibility and encouraging technological advancements.
Public procurement
Reform procurement rules post-Brexit to prioritise UK manufacturers, especially in technical textiles, supporting advanced manufacturing capabilities across multiple sectors.
Skills development
Push for reforms in vocational education to place it on equal footing with academic routes, using models like Switzerland’s system. This includes changes to how the Skills and Growth Levy supports apprenticeships and training.
VAT-free shopping
Reintroduce VAT-free shopping to benefit the broad fashion and textile industry. This measure would not only boost tourism-related spending in key areas such as London and beyond, but also create opportunities for local businesses such as the UK manufacturers which supply the luxury brands.
Advanced manufacturing investment
Advocate for capital expenditure (CapEx) funding to expand technical textiles and advanced manufacturing capabilities. This proposal builds on the success of the Regional Growth Fund and highlights the sector’s potential to serve diverse industries.
By subscribing you agree to with our Privacy Policy.
