The Textile Livery Group working with the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT) hosted a full day conference on 12 May 2022 at Drapers’ Hall.
‘Sustainability in UK Textiles‘ was the topic of choice and the aim of the conference was to share best practice on sustainability within the UK textile industry and discuss how the sector could grow its capacity and capability, while remaining competitive. The conference was attended by 200 delegates, predominantly from the textile manufacturing sector with many Livery members.
The Conference was opened by HRH The Princess Royal who is the President of UKFT. Presentations were given by a variety of textile or clothing businesses who were all putting sustainability at the centre of their work. Alex Begg spoke about their work to create sustainable cashmere working with Mongolian farmers and herders to create a verifiable supply chain. ACS Clothing were pioneering rental clothing with an amazing dry cleaning and logistics offer.
Recycling and high performance wool were also key topics and it concluded with a speech by Jo Churchill MP Minister at DEFRA. It is planned to hold a similar conference in 2023 but concentrating on the textile retail sector.
An announcement was made at the Conference that the Textile Group recognised that there was a lack of understanding about the textile industry within schools and universities and the breadth of career opportunities that exist within the sector. In collaboration with the UKFT the Group is sponsoring the creation of an inspirational and engaging website that will present the opportunities that exist within the UK fashion and textile industry to a new generation. The website will highlight career resources and case studies to students, career advisors and teachers.
The members of the Textile Livery Group are the Broderers, Clothworkers, Drapers, Dyers, Feltmakers, Framework Knitters, Haberdashers, Mercers, Merchant Taylors, Upholders, Weavers and Woolmen. The CEO of the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT), Adam Mansell is also a permanent member of the Group.
Sheriff and Alderman, Alison Gowman