UKFT's new programme to support fashion & textile students

This autumn, UKFT’s experienced team will visit several universities to give detailed advice on how to enter the world of business. They will discuss how to promote startups in the industry, signpost the resources available to help students in their first steps into the industry and look at trade shows and new and emerging markets.

The seminars will touch on issues such as intellectual property and other legal issues which start-ups need to be aware of from day one, together with personal experiences from people who have spent many years in the industry.

The Universities to benefit from the first round of seminars include Leeds College of Art, the University of Westminster and GCU London. The seminars are targeted at final year BA and MA students studying a range of disciplines from Merchandising to Buying and Design. UKFT plans to roll this programme out to other interested institutions.

UKFT chief executive John Miln said: “UKFT is committed to helping and inspiring the next generation of our industry. It is more difficult than ever to get your first break into the industry but the great new talent emerging in our industry shows that the skills are there, they just need nurturing.”

He added: “Often the most creative minds do not have natural business skills or the experience required and this is where we can help and support them, helping them to avoid the pitfalls as they get started.”

The new seminars will run alongside UKFT’s existing range of seminars at 3 Queen Square and UKFT Rise, which was launched this year as a networking scheme for under 35s working across all disciplines of the fashion and textile industry.

UKFT is the most inclusive UK fashion and textile network and is committed to supporting the next generation of the fashion and textile industry.

UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT)