PCIAW summit to be held in London

18 Feb '19

3 min read

Twenty of the world’s best industry experts will gather on June 18 in London to share their knowledge on the professional workwear, corporate clothing and associated industry sectors with a unique gathering comprising industry’s uniform buyers from international blue-chip companies to emergency services, worldwide manufacturers, legislators and politicians.

The first Global Summit for the Professional Clothing Industry Association is the single largest gathering for uniform buyers and suppliers of professional clothing under one roof encompassing the entire supply chain. This will create the opportunity for professionals in the field to be inspired, connect, and be involved in shaping the industry. Attendees are expected to have an exceptional experience to witness the industry from an entirely new perspective and leave buzzing with new ideas, new insights and new connections. There will be forum-style presentations and question and answer sessions throughout the day.

Speakers include leading UK and international influencer Adam Mansell (CEO, UKFT) who will discuss the latest and most updated news from the government on how Brexit will be affecting the industry; Karen Sparrow (spaceline apparel manager, Virgin Galactic) who will talk about the future for astronaut, pilot and crew performance clothing; Chris Murray CBE FCILT (VP Defence and Government Services Europe, Agility Logistics) who will discuss complex global logistics in challenging environments; César Araújo (president, ANIVEC); Steve Zalkin (president, NAUMD); and Marie Leck (senior couturier, Vivienne Westwood). There will also be representatives from SATRA, Plimsoll, the British Standards Institute, (BSI), and British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF). The event will present opportunities to hear from uniform buyers within the public sector and major blue-chip companies.

Uniform buyers and suppliers will be able to hear experts from both sides discuss how forging the right long-term partnership through the tendering process is essential.

The topics to be discussed include “New and changing legislation post Brexit – how leaving the EU impacts you, your uniform buying and the whole industry”; “CSR – is your clothing supply chain affecting the planet and what can you do?”; “Innovation in design and technology – is there a development to tackle the long-standing question of fit?”; “How can a buyer reduce their capital exposure when procuring uniform?”; and “British Standard markings – how will these be perceived in a new Europe without the UK?”

Adam Mansell, CEO, UK Fashion and Textiles Association, said, “There are so many challenges affecting the industry as a whole, particularly post-Brexit, it is a great opportunity to reach so many businesses with such important topics. It will be an interesting day for both the speakers and delegates.”

Karen Sparrow, Spaceline apparel manager, Virgin Galactic, said, “Having the correct clothing is an essential part of everyone’s working day, but for Virgin Galactic we are pushing the boundaries with innovation at the highest level for our future astronauts, pilots and crew performance, through ground-breaking technology and design. We are immensely proud to be able to share our vision of the future for professional clothing;”

Jonathan McKendry, PCIAW director and export sales and marketing manager, Carrington Textiles, said, “The PCIAW summit is a major step in highlighting the Association as a vital resource for our industry. It will provide key information on so many important topics in just one day, our aim is for it to become an annual occurrence bringing together everything our industry needs to know.” (SV)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India

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