UK Fashion Industry Begins to Consolidate

Friday 12th of December 2008 11:00:24 PM

The UK fashion industry is undergoing a transformation as it creates a unified voice through the joining of various councils and associations in a step-by-step process. One of the most recent consolidations to take place was announced by Peter Lucas who is chairman of the British Clothing Industry Association (BCIA). He announced that UK Fashion Exports (UKFE) would now be under the BCIA. This is just one step taken towards creating a single fashion and textile organisation in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Lucas said, “My aim is to use BCIA’s structure and financial strength to bring the industry together in one streamlined organisation operating from 5 Portland Place and supporting the British fashion and textile industries.” BCIA is now planning on working with the textile industry and export associations as efforts continue to bring the various organisations under one group.

Mr. Lucas continued to say, “There are many other organisations that do a number of these things, but it would be more efficient if we did a lot more of them together, so that when we, the industrialists get together, there are a significant number of us at the same place and time to share our experiences, rather than us participating in a series of smaller gatherings.” The “things” he is referring to include industry related trade shows, import and export activities, marketing, and various services in all areas from legal to employment.

The union of BCIA and UKFE is just the first phase of an overall broad plan to create a single organisation that can represent the fashion and textile industries. The BCIA is currently working with the export industry to address the issues related to fair trade in the wool textiles industry since the statutory levy is ending. This association consolidation reflects another UK effort to strengthen the fashion and textile industries so that manufacturers, retailers and designers are able to compete on a global scale. The apparel and textile categories include everything from the sale of uniforms and other apparel to non-woven materials used in a variety of products.

(c ) Image by Robert Owen-Wahl, www.sxc.hu/