The UK Fashion and Textile association (UKFT) has announced its decision to take over the management of Textiles Scotland (STLA) effective January 1, 2019, following a unanimous vote by STLA members and lengthy discussions between the two organisations. From January 1, existing STLA members will be transferred to a new company called UKFT Scotland.

The STLA branding will be continued, as will the Scottish focus of the activities, support and government lobbying. UKFT Scotland will join the main UKFT board and UKFT CEO Adam Mansell will join the Scottish industry leadership group, said a media release from UKFT.

UKFT will be working with the Scottish industry to develop a new membership offer that will help STLA become a self-sustaining organisation, including using its expertise to develop an export strategy and a skills strategy for Scottish members.

“UKFT’s commitment to working with the industry to deliver our current plan of activity while plugging into a wider fashion, leather and textiles network makes it a perfect partner for STLA. This new partnership allows us to focus on high-value growth opportunities in international markets and adopt an industry-wide approach, which is genuinely committed to innovation and best practice to ensure future success,” said James Lang, chairman of STLA.

“We are delighted to welcome STLA into the wider UKFT community and look forward to expanding our support services to address the needs of our new Scottish members, focused on leadership, innovation, internationalisation, skills and investment. This transaction will ensure that Scottish companies have a national and international voice and significantly furthers our aim of creating a highly profitable and productive UK fashion and textiles industry,” said Nigel Lugg, chairman of UKFT.

UKFT’s members include some of the UK’s most well-known fashion and textile brands, heritage success stories and emerging designer labels, alongside the manufacturers and suppliers that turn those designs into a reality. (PC)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India

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