UKFT Education Partners Network Meeting

On 24th January, FEL founder and CEO, Jenny Holloway attended the UKFT Education Partners Network meeting at the University of Westminster. 

The central topic discussed at the meeting was on aligning employment strategies for industry and education in this period of change. The event brought together representatives from both universities and private training providers including; University of the Creative Arts, De Montford University, Nottingham Trent University, London College of Fashion, Manchester Fashion Institute, University of Westminster, HMP Prison Services, amongst others.

The meeting provided insight and discussion into the anticipated changes in industry recruitment, with the aim to encourage collaboration between education and the fashion and textile sector to bolster employment outcomes. 

The session began with a thorough overview of the current state of the fashion and textile industry, with an emphasis on political influences. UKFT’s CEO Adam Mansell delved into the challenges and opportunities posed by the evolving landscape, providing attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the industry’s trajectory.

Key findings from various reports and surveys, including “The Fashion and Textile Industry’s Footprint in the UK” by UKFT and Oxford Economics informed attendees of the current landscape.

Katie Greenyer, Creative Director at Pentland Brands, Emma Davidson, Managing Director at recruitment consultancy Denza and Natalie Mumford, Business Manager at Humphries Weaving and Responsibility Lead for Sudbury Silk Mills, gave real-life insight into what employers and the industry are looking for today and how this will develop in future. They shared perspectives on how education and industry can adapt and work together to meet these evolving requirements to ensure that well-equipped new entrants continue to enter the sector.

The FEL team, including Founder and CEO, Jenny Holloway regularly attend industry led seminars such as this event by UKFT, as they provide essential networking, data and discussion relevant to all areas of the fashion and textile industry. 

Jenny comments: “As part of our on-going support for our learners it’s imperative that they are up-to-date with the latest macro variables for the fashion industry.  This will substantially help the learners understand how the business is moving forward in new areas such as repairs and alterations as well as understanding the issues that are occurring with a lack of orders from retailers generally. The “The Fashion and Textile Industry’s Footprint in the UK” report provides a large cross section of data that would be needed for business plans for any start up fashion brand.”

After the industry panel small group workshops took place and attendees were also invited to explore the University of Westminster’s Menswear archive.