In talks with UKFT

The UK Fashion and Textile Agency (UKFT) was formed in 2009 and aims to promote, encourage, support, and connect the entire British fashion and textile sector. News has come that CEO Eric Musgrave, has left his role - to look at fashion from another

angle - as a journalist. So, the organisation that acts as a united voice for individual companies and associations from many diverse, but related, sectors, and which consists of a number of long standing industry bodies, including The British Clothing Industry, has now undergone a change in infrastructure.

Adam Mansell, chief operating officer, and Paul Alger, director of international affairs, supported by UKFT’s two deputy chairmen John Wilson and John Miln, will together with chairman, Peter Lucas, continue the work of the association until a successor is appointed.

FashionUnited caught up with Adam Mansell, chief operating officer, to find out more about the issues they are currently tackling, where the body currently sits itself and why 2011 looks set to be a productive year.

FashionUnited: How many bodies/associations are currently joined with the UKFT?
Adam Mansell: 17 – from British Fashion Council, Society of Dyers and Colourists to Savile Row bespoke (see website for full list)

FU: What growth did UKFT see in 2010 and how do you intend to develop the body into 2011?
AM: During 2010 our attention was focused on engaging with our new federation members as well as with individual companies. This year, we are embarking on a marketing campaign to deliver the benefits of UKFT to a broad range of fashion and textile companies – from individual business to multi-million pound turnover organisations - as UKFT has something of value to offer to both small and large enterprises.
 
FU: How do you see your position within the UK fashion industry?
AM: Our primary objective is to promote the growth of the UK fashion and textile sector through commercial development, the advancement of training and skills and political representation.
 
FU: And why do you think there has there been an ongoing call for a body such as UKFT?
AM: As a vital contributor to the UK economy, and a major employer, it is important that the sector has one representative body that can reflect its views to Government and be a central resource for information, guidance and advice to help businesses be better-informed. The opportunity to easily enable networking with all companies up and down the supply chain is also an important requirement for businesses today and UKFT is a catalyst for this.
 
FU: You advise on overseas sales – would you consider setting up an international arm to the organisation?
AM: Most of the team that was formerly part of UK Fashion Exports is now under the wing of UKFT and as such we have export expertise as part of the overall structure. In recognition of the importance of overseas sales to the UK fashion and textile industry, one of our senior executives, Paul Alger, previously the director of UK Fashion Exports, was appointed director of international affairs. Exports is an integral part of the UKFT business.
 
FU: What was the most recent issue you have successfully tackled?
We are heavily involved in helping companies source British-made product and working with manufacturers to find the skilled labour they need. We have a Let’s Make it Here database of UK suppliers which is growing every day and are holding an event in conjunction with Drapers magazine next week (10 March) as part of their Save our Skills campaign.
 
FU: Are you looking for government grants?
AM: As an independent self-funded body we do not receive direct grants from Government. However, we do administer Government schemes to help companies export and we trust that these will not be affected by any “cuts”. We are also actively looking for funds that may be available to help companies particularly in the area of training and skills development
 
FU: If you could change one thing about the UK industry, what would it be?
AM: To change the perception of the industry with young people. This is a fantastic, vibrant, industry with a huge range of jobs and opportunities.
 
FU: Where would you like the company to sit in 5 years time?
AM: To be carrying on our vital work representing the needs of the industry, and doing it on behalf of an industry that has continued to grow, an industry that produces everything from life-saving medical implants to the latest catwalk fashion.