UK government funds LFW to boost creative industries sector

The new initiative is in collaboration with the Institute of Positive Fashion and the UK Fashion & Textiles (UKFT). Its objective is to facilitate the growth of a Circular Fashion Ecosystem through innovative and sustainable fashion strategies, BFC said in a press release.

New plans to maximise the potential of the UK creative industries and grow the economy have been set out by the government. Developed with industry via the Creative Industries Council, the Creative Industries Sector Vision published sets out shared ambitions maximise the growth of the creative industries by £50 billion by 2030, creating one million extra jobs and delivering a creative careers promise that builds a pipeline of future talent.

“The creative industries are a true British success story. These industries have a special place in our national life and make a unique contribution to how we feel about ourselves as a country. We want to build on this incredible success to drive growth in our economy—one of my key priorities—and to ensure that UK creative industries continue to lead the world long into the future” said Rishi Sunak, UK’s prime minister.

LFW, one of the four major fashion weeks globally, serves as a platform for diverse fashion enterprises, ranging from innovative start-ups to established global fashion brands. The government's funding will allow the BFC to further enhance the visibility of these businesses on a global scale and coordinate a city-wide celebration of fashion and cultural experiences.

The Circular Fashion Innovation Network is funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and will align its activities with the British Fashion Council’s Institute of Positive Fashion. The partnership with UKFT aims to amalgamate industry, academia, and innovators to fast-track the development of a Circular Fashion Ecosystem in the UK.

The initiative's focus areas include recycling infrastructure, sustainable manufacturing, circular business models, novel technology, creating a diverse and future-proof workforce, and green growth. As part of this network, UKFT will mainly concentrate on improving recycling infrastructure and sustainable manufacturing. The network will be further bolstered by several practical innovation and research projects aiming to enhance the competitiveness of the UK fashion and textile industry.

Over the coming months, the BFC and UKFT will delineate their collective roadmap for bringing about sustainable change in the fashion industry.

The British fashion industry leads in creativity and its founders and entrepreneurs are leading innovators in their field. However, in order to responsibly grow businesses at a time of great change requires platforms, support and co-ordination. We look forward to working with industry and government to support the UK in retaining its reputation as creative leaders in a global industry and to develop its ability to responsibly and collectively address how we accelerate to a leading Circular Fashion Eco-System in the UK,” said Caroline Rush, chief executive, British Fashion Council.

“Sustainable manufacturing and recycling infrastructure will be key drivers in the move to a circular fashion ecosystem here in the UK. We’re excited to work with the BFC to support our industry to connect, collaborate and share experiences to build the most resilient, sustainable and competitive sector for future generations,” said Adam Mansell, CEO, UKFT.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DP)