The event, which is a partnership between the UK Fashion & Textile Association and Startup Britain, will give budding fashion entrepreneurs the chance to meet and hear from some of the UK fashion industry’s most influential figures, and to network and share their own experiences.

UKFT Rise’s Startup Fashion event will bring together a stellar lineup of speakers, including Patrick Grant, Creative Director of E.Tautz and presenter of the Great British Sewing Bee, Stylist Magazine’s Fashion Director Alexandra Fullerton, CEO of Karen Millen Mike Shearwood and Harrods Head of PR Lauren Stevenson – as well representatives from Ted Baker, Orla Kiely, etsy and Olivia Rubin.

Giving the rising stars of the industry an invaluable insight into launching and running a successful fashion business, the half day event will provide advice and guidance in a range of key areas including - routes to market through retail, wholesale and international, building a brand through marketing and PR, financing your business and production.

Guests will also have the unique opportunity to hear from Rob Forkan, the co-founder of Gandys Flip Flops. Rob will give the audience an intimate insight into the inspiring and compelling story the brand, which was launched after Rob and his brother were tragically orphaned in the Boxing Day Tsunami.

Created and run by a group of under 35’s working in fashion, UKFT Rise is part of the UKFT’s ongoing commitment to the future of the UK fashion industry. Open to young talent from all corner of the sector, from designers and buyers, to manufacturers and entrepreneurs, a limited number of tickets are now available for UKFT Rise’s Startup Fashion event which will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.

About UKFT

UKFT is the leading trade body for the fashion and textile industry. UKFT lobbies on behalf of UK fashion, textile and accessory businesses for support and training, which leads to greater visibility of the industry. UKFT provides business advice on selling to established and emerging markets. Members include designers, manufacturers and retailers and UKFT represents over 2,500 businesses through its organisation and across 16 federated members.

UK Fashion & Textile Association