New British clothing association

A new body, the British Clothing Industry Association (BCIA), is introduced to represent the fashion industry and succeeds. Businessmen, Simon Berwin of Berwin & Berwin, Nigel Lugg of Prominent Apparel (Europe) and Richard Craig of Margaret Howell, are among the board members of the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT). Since taking over as chairman of BCIA last year, Peter Lucas (Baird Group) said his priority has been to develop an association that encompassed both the fashion and textile sector so that there would be ‘one voice’ for the industry.

“We have made tremendous progress and have begun working with almost every trade association that covers the sector and the response has been extremely enthusiastic,” says Lucas. “I am delighted, too, that the new board comprises members who are passionate about their sector and want to help companies to trade more effectively both in the domestic market and overseas.”

The new board meets for the first time in June to develop UKFT’s strategy, so new initiatives can be announced in the autumn. The Association of Suppliers to the British Clothing Industry (ASBCI) and The Savile Row Bespoke Association, are the first two organisations to have committed to join UKFT. In addition, following discussions with the textile sector, UKFT is now running its export promotion, working on participation at major events such as Première Vision.

The name and constitution of UKFT and the appointment of the new board took place at BCIA in London (20 May 2009). Formed in 1992, the ASBCI clothing and textile forum is a non-profit making organisation dedicated to supporting the diverse interests of companies operating across the clothing supply-chain. It has over 100 corporate members comprises many of the UK’s largest retail groups in addition to clothing manufacturers, textile, fibre and component suppliers, testing houses, garment after-care specialists and leading fashion universities and colleges.

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