In this year’s showcase, UKFT captured some of the most interesting and dynamic manufacturers, brands and designers throughout the UK textile industry. From luxury worsted fabrics to bold tweeds and the finest cashmere, to original prints and eye-catching embroidery, next-generation technical textiles and a wide range of yarns, as per the organisation.

UK textile mills have been embracing new ways of working and developing new products while ensuring sustainability is at the forefront of business decisions, explained a panel of industry leaders at a roundtable as part of UKFT’s British Textile Week 21.

The global pandemic has driven most businesses and industries to do things differently but while the disruption to life has been challenging, resourceful UK textile companies have taken the opportunity to carve out new niches, streamline processes and explore new markets or applications for their products.

While most export-focused businesses are keen to get back to international travel once things settle down, a greater focus on stock-supported collections, brand story and digital communication tools are some of the changes that are likely to stay for the longer term.

Firms including Johnstons of Elgin, Abraham Moon, County Brook, Harris Tweed Hebrides, MYB Textiles, Laurent Garigue and more are harnessing new technology, developing new products, focusing on innovation, looking to new markets, flying the British flag, telling the story behind the brands, embracing changing seasons and buying patterns, making real progress on sustainable initiatives, championing responsible production and looking back to move forward, said UKFT.

UKFT co-ordinated the project, with the generous support of The Clothworkers’ Company and the Campaign for Wool.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)