HRH The Princess Royal visits leading UK textile manufacturers as President of UKFT

London - In honour and recognition of the skills and talents which form the UK textile, fashion and jewellery manufacturing sector, Her Royal Highness Anne Princess Royal has embarked on a series of visits across the country as part of the UK Fashion & Textile Association new initiative, Let's Make it Here.

The initiative sees Her Royal Highness visit numerous key manufacturers in the UK, such as West Yorkshire textiles company Joshua Ellis, a cashmere specialist marking its 250th anniversary - and Johnstons of Elgin in Scotland, a 220 year old company and the largest fashion and textile employer in the country. Supplying some of the world's leading luxury brands. Johnstons of Elgin seeks to preserve the traditional craft and conservation of kills and offers apprenticeships to individuals of all ages at its training centre in Hawick.

Her Royal Highness is also set to visit London-based designer jeweller Alex Monroe to mark his 30 years of trading, Toye & Co, based in Birmingham as well as traditional bespoke and military specialist tailors Samuel Brothers as the UKFT's President. "Britain is home to world class manufacturers, producing everything from advanced materials to traditional fabrics used by brands globally," commented Adam Mansell, CEO of UKFT. "UKFT is delighted that our President has kindly agreed to this series of visits, in recognition of the skills, talent and heritage throughout the UK."

The UKFT initiative 'Let's Make It Here' has also launched a dedicated website which lets designers and brands search for product type, support services or location to make it easier for them to source in the UK. The website's databases also covers all stages of the supply chain, from yarn, fabric, garments and accessories to ancillary support services, such as pattern cutters.

"Her Royal Highness has always been a strong supporter of fashion and textile products made in the UK," added Paul Alger, Director of International Business Development, UKFT. "Over almost 30 years, our President has visited and met well over one hundred manufacturers."

Photo: Courtesy of UKFT