The introduction of wider production capabilities in a dedicated area at Textile Forum has been hailed as a success.

UKFT brought together a group of garment manufacturers and sampling units to exhibit at the London-based fashion fabrics fair to support growing sourcing demands.

The exhibitors offered a wide range of production capabilities, including pattern cutting, sampling and the creation of tech packs through to grading and full production runs across multiple categories.

“Threads was delighted to be part of the UKFT’s first Manufacturing Zone,” said Sital Punja, director of Threads London. “The Textile Forum was the ideal place to be discussing forthcoming manufacturing with both existing and new clients.

“We are huge fans of the Textile Forum,” said Nailya Belkacemi, director of Plus Samples. “It’s always incredibly well managed and organised. It’s smaller than any other similar shows but I perceive that as an advantage; there is enough time to talk to the visitors and catch up with the exhibitors.  The show audience is relevant to what we do, 90% of the visitors could be classified as a potential client. We are looking forward to the next show in October.”

Alice Burkitt, who co-ordinates the UKFT London Manufacturers Group, said: “It was great to see the UKFT supported manufacturing zone bustling with activity at the show this year. We saw lots of business being done and valuable connections being made.

“It was clear that having these two key parts of the supply chain showing side by side was a real success. We are excited to see Textile Forum becoming the place to come for those looking to source high quality, flexible suppliers.”

Maxine Wells, founder of Intimate Apparel Samples, added: “As a development and manufacturing unit who specialise in Lingerie and Swimwear we have been pleasantly surprised by how many visitors to our stand at the Textile Forum are relevant to the sector we are in.

“We have a strong web presence and many visitors had been on our website previously, however connections are much stronger now we have met face to face.”

UKFT manufacturing members interested in exhibiting as part of the UKFT Manufacturing Zone next season should contact alice.burkitt@ukft.org.

For more information about Textile Forum, please visit http://www.textileforum.org.uk/.