PRESS RELEASE: Fashion Roundtable Hosts Meeting With Parliamentary Labour Party About The Impacts Of Brexit And Poor Policy On British Fashion
On the 17th May 2023, Fashion Roundtable, along with Shadow Minister Stephanie Peacock MP, hosted a meeting with the Parliamentary Labour Party where industry leaders outlined the dire need for urgent action for the British fashion sector, which was at one time the fastest growing creative industry in the United Kingdom.
Image shows meeting in progress.
PRESS RELEASE
STEPS TO STOP The Death Of The British Fashion Industry: Industry Leaders Met With The Parliamentary Labour Party To Discuss The Impacts Of Brexit And Poor Policy On British Fashion
Topic: From Designers to Distribution, How Can Labour Support the Fashion Industry?
London, 23rd May 2023 // PRESS RELEASE
On the 17th May 2023, Fashion Roundtable, along with Shadow Minister Stephanie Peacock MP, hosted a meeting with the Parliamentary Labour Party where industry leaders outlined the dire need for urgent action for the British fashion sector, which was at one time the fastest growing creative industry in the United Kingdom.
Chaired by Fashion Roundtable’s CEO, Tamara Cincik, speakers included Stephanie Peacock MP; Kate Hills, CEO, Make It British; Alexander Wills, Founder and Director, Fashion Formula; Julian Vogel, CEO, ModusBPCM; John Horner, CEO Models 1, Chair BFMA; Carson McColl, Co-founder, Hard + Shiny and Creative Director, Gareth Pugh Studio; Karen Binns, Fashion Director, Fashion Roundtable; Professor Dilys Williams, Head of Centre for Sustainable Fashion, UAL.
The meeting gave an overview of the current landscape for UK-based manufacturers and the key challenges and proposed solutions to support the sector to lead on sustainability, social justice, increased social mobility for working-class children, and increased revenue for UK GDP. The UK is not currently on the forefront of legislation coming out of the EU and needs to be more aligned and active with developments to enable the sector to operate in a global market.
Tamara Cincik, CEO, Fashion Roundtable said: “Fashion is core to culture and business, as the largest of the creative industries, it was the fastest growing sector until recently and a massive employer. UK talent leads in work across sustainability, social impact and digital initiatives, but it needs support from the government if it is to thrive and not drive our talent to relocate due to a combination of a lack of support, overwhelming red tape and critical underinvestment. That is why a meeting attended by Stephanie Peacock MP, Shadow Culture Minister, was so important for stakeholders to communicate their frustrations and outline key priorities and ambitions to drive opportunities for the UK at this critical time in the build up to a General Election.”
Shadow Minister, Stephanie Peacock MP said: “The fashion industry contributes tens of billions of pounds to the UK economy, from mainly small and medium sized businesses across the country. I am thankful to all the experts who joined the Labour Party and myself in Parliament to discuss the industry at our roundtable. It was great to hear directly from them and learn about what the industry needs to thrive in the UK.”
Points To Note:
Market Competition
Stakeholders confirmed that brands and manufacturers are finding it difficult to retain market share and remain competitive when many other brands offer cheaper prices due to producing lesser quality items, made under different factory conditions. There is vast competition from suppliers, brands and retailers who are not abiding by UK standards which Professor Dilys Williams, attributed as a ‘licence to do harm’.
Employment, Skills, Retention, Training, Education
Due to Brexit and a lack of EU-skilled workers willing or able to work in the UK, the sector is unable to meet the level of employment required. UK residents do not have the skills or desire to work in a factory/supply chain and retaining skilled workers is very difficult. Kate Hills, CEO of Make It British, offered that while the UK does have world class universities that are creating hundreds of designers, there are not enough people who want to work in roles such as factories, machinists, product development etc.
Freedom Of Movement
All stakeholders agreed that the industry is now in a far worse position compared to the sector’s EU counterparts. Due to Brexit and visa requirements people are unable to work in the EU at short notice, which is a particularly difficult situation for freelance creatives, and especially for models who need to be physically in the place of proposed work before being booked. Julian Vogel, CEO of communications behemoth ModusBPCM stressed that the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), an automated system for registering travellers from the UK and other non-EU countries each time, will only exacerbate the situation.
The industry also relies heavily on transporting samples for press, model fittings and production. Particularly new/smaller designers are finding it extremely challenging to operate and know how to enable their business to function in relation to this specific issue. Stakeholders were in agreement that it is now extremely difficult to import and export goods and components from other countries due to red tape and increased cost and timelines.
Funding And Investment
Overseas (EU) countries are given substantial funding to help promote their businesses internationally and this support does not happen in the UK. As the market has become more challenging brands who operate internationally are deciding to not invest in the UK as much as previous years. This is because their investment is based on sales in the local market. With the cost-of-living crisis and lack of overseas visitors, due to the VAT Retail Export Scheme, the UK is being overlooked and places such as Paris are now being chosen to open Flagship stores, leaving the UK lagging behind to create a competitive market place.
Notes to Editors:
Stephanie Peacock is the Shadow Minister for Media, Data, and Digital Infrastructure.
The Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) is the parliamentary group of the Labour Party in Parliament.
Fashion Roundtable is the only think tank dedicated to reimagining a creative and responsible fashion industry.
For more information please contact:
admin@fashionroundtable.co.uk | www.fashionroundtable.co.uk
Press Release: Fashion Roundtable and COVID-19
Since the outbreak of Covid-19, Fashion Roundtable have been pursuing PPE solutions within the industry, ensuring industry workers are protected, lobbying for pay parity for fashion industry workers, and facilitating other initiatives.
Pursuing PPE solutions within the industry, ensuring industry workers are protected, lobbying for pay parity for fashion industry workers, and other initiatives
Fashion Roundtable and PPE Solutions— Monday 6th April 2020
Since the outbreak of Covid-19, Fashion Roundtable have been urgently facilitating end-to-end Personal Protective Equipment solutions, mediating between the Government, British Textiles Consortium and Emergency Designer Network.
British Textiles Consortium and Emergency Designer Network are two new groups, born of COVID-19. Their purpose is to organise and deploy the supply, manufacture and distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) under Governmental PHE specification: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-infection-prevention-and-control/covid-19-personal-protective-equipment-ppe
British Textiles Consortium is large scale, both in terms for parties involved, and production of PPE for NHS Frontline key workers http://britishtextileconsortium.com Kate Hills from Make It British says: “We are working on finding all of the UK manufacturers that can switch production to provide an end-to-end solution for PPE that is made locally. Whilst the government is currently concentrating on importing these products, this is a short-term solution. Once these resources dry up, which they will do as global demand increases, we will need to tap into the manufacturing base that we have in the UK. We have had amazing support from a diverse range of manufacturers, and I have every confidence that the UK textile industry is able to adapt and be agile enough to cope with the challenges ahead.”
Emergency Designer Network is smaller scale, and led by a network of British-based designers including Phoebe English, Bethany Williams, and Holly Fulton, coordinating small businesses and individuals who are willing to help with the home-make of PPE for key workers in other sectors, following the PHE guidelines on PPE. Phoebe English says: “PPE is in urgent need, each day that passes more and more requests come in, we are making a network of at home makers who can aim to fulfil short term needs for key workers as a voluntary endeavour called Emergency Designer Network.”
Fashion Roundtable have requested support for a push-forward from our APPGs Chairs. With recent updated PPE specification and continuous engagement with the Central Office, we expect an official start soon on both routes.
This initiative has been covered by a variety of media outlets, including Vogue, the Financial Times, and trade journal Drapers.
https://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/article/bethany-williams-coronavirus-nhs-scrubs
https://www.ft.com/content/5218e4ea-7023-11ea-89df-41bea055720b
https://www.fashionroundtable.co.uk/news/uk-fashion-supporting-nhs-covid-19-press-release
Additionally, Fashion Roundtable reacted quickly in support of GMB Union announcements on concerns regarding warehouse and distribution centre staff during COVID-19.
Fashion Roundtable raised awareness on the critical importance of immediate reaction from fashion companies and the government, for the proper deployment of measures and PPE to support workers in the distribution industry.
Fashion Roundtable lobbying on pay parity for non -PAYE workers to receive the same benefits as those with PAYE
Fashion Roundtable have lobbied BEIS, DCMS and the Treasury on universal governmental financial support for all those affected by Coronavirus Crisis. We highlighted the concerns of the £50,000 per year profit cap in the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, and advocated for directors of small businesses who usually rely on dividends as their income source.
We supported CIF efforts on the same line, with exchange of information from the sector, and we welcomed IPSE in our weekly webinar and have shown support to their work.
Fashion Roundtable have requested support for a push-forward from our APPGs Chairs.
Please find here a template letter to enable you to write to your MP should this affect you, or should you wish to join Fashion Roundtable in requesting parity for our industry co-workers: https://www.fashionroundtable.co.uk/news/2020/3/26/a-template-letter-to-your-mp-and-the-chancellor-regarding-self-employed-workers-and-smes-in-the-fashion-industry-earning-more-than-50k-per-year-in-light-of-covid-19
And here a template letter to Government: https://www.fashionroundtable.co.uk/news/letter-to-your-mp-covid-19-fashion-industry
Fashion Roundtable’s work on the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)
Fashion Roundtable launched an inquiry and has collected intelligence from the fashion and textile sector in regards ease of access to CBILS, which we will feedback to the government. Additionally, Fashion Roundtable has collaborated with media outlet Business of Fashion in order to distribute feedback from experiences to the public.
Please see the link for an update on the scheme: https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-interruption-loan-scheme/
Fashion Roundtable’s lobbying for support for brands whose orders have been cancelled by retailers
We raised to the Government the concerns received from textile and fashion businesses whose orders have been cancelled by retailers. Providing this information and feedback from the sector aids the Government in taking more informed decisions.
Fashion Roundtable’s compilation of resources, keeping track of Whitehall and City Hall support measures during Coronavirus
Updated weekly, this page https://www.fashionroundtable.co.uk/news allows us to supply information and direction, and reply in real time to our community’s needs, keeping up to date on government and local London administration support available to those affected by COVID-19.
Fashion Roundtable’s Weekly Webinar, “Ask the Expert!”, every Friday at 2pm during the COVID-19 crisis
This weekly Fashion Roundtable webinar, featuring industry expert speakers, is open to public and private sector guests. Links will be sent to all who email sarah.squires@fashionroundtable.co.uk
Fashion Roundtable and the Coronavirus Act 2020
Fashion Roundtable have worked on the official document, scrutinising it for “advantage & disadvantages” and checking for inclusion, privacy, and other relevant concerns. The Coronavirus Bill can be seen here: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2020/7/contents/enacted
Fashion Roundtable lobbying on textiles, clothing and footwear manufacturing to be included on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) for Visas, post-Brexit
The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Textiles and Fashion surveyed manufacturers across the UK to map the current state of employment in the UK garment manufacturing sector. Fashion Roundtable lobbied for job recognition, skills level requirements and salary level, and sent the recommendations to our APPGs chairs and members, sector’s organisations peers and the Government.
More information on the Skilled Occupation List is here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/806331/28_05_2019_Full_Review_SOL_Final_Report_1159.pdf
The APPG for Textiles and Fashion/ Fashion Roundtable details of our parliamentary event on this are here: https://www.fashionroundtable.co.uk/news/2019/7/23/appg-for-textile-and-fashion-x-fashion-enter-visas-and-employment-in-the-garment-manufacturing-sector-agenda and recommendations here: https://www.appgtextilesfashion.com/post/recommendations-on-visas-and-employment-in-the-garment-manufacturing-sector
Notes For Editors
For all press enquiries please email our Communications Director Jodi Muter-Hamilton
Press Release: Fashion Roundtable To Host An In Conversation With Fashion Legend Karen Binns.
Marc Jacobs on Karen Binns: "I've known Karen both personally and professionally for over two decades. Her boundless energy and enthusiasm for fashion is always a great and welcome inspiration to me. Her soaring, distinct vision and her insightful unique interpretation of 'what is ' and 'what will be' makes her a truly rare and exceptional voice in the fashion universe."
On Thursday 17/10 Fashion Roundtable will host an exclusive In Conversation evening with legendary fashion editor Karen Binns, bringing the conversation we hosted at Port Eliot Festival last summer to The Curtain, London.
Karen’s career reads like a who’s who of the creative industries: from NYC to London, from Paris to Singapore, from Lagos to LA, she has worked with the leaders and insiders across music, fashion, art and culture, leading creatives towards a representative and relevant pop culture.
From working with art visionary Jean-Michel Basquiat (he first walked the catwalk for Comme-des-Garcons because of Karen’s intervention), to defining cult artist Tori Amos’ style for a generation, podcasting for Love Magazine, reviewing catwalk shows for SHOWstudio, as well as consulting for brands such as Savile Row icon Ozwald Boateng, to new gen talents ArtSchool London, Karen’s insider role has connected fashion to art, curating collaborations such as Andre Walker for Kim Jones, or bringing Nile Rodgers and Chic to play at an exclusive party for French Vogue at Paris Couture Fashion Week, to brilliant effect.
Marc Jacobs on Karen: "I've known Karen both personally and professionally for over two decades. Her boundless energy and enthusiasm for fashion is always a great and welcome inspiration to me. Her soaring, distinct vision and her insightful unique interpretation of 'what is ' and 'what will be' makes her a truly rare and exceptional voice in the fashion universe."
As Fashion Director for Fashion Roundtable, Karen has spoken on inclusion and new generation talent at several of our events and regularly reviews the London and Paris shows for our audience. Binns has contributed to numerous panels on fashion, pop culture, the arts and diversity, including at the V&A, MASTERED and Lulu Kennedy. Her aptitude to culturally curate incisive collaborations between art, music, fashion and curators is now globally renowned. Want to hear how she does it: full details of the In Conversation with Karen Binns are here.
ENDS
Notes to editors
If you would like to support our Representation and Inclusion in the fashion Industry campaign please see https://www.fashionroundtable.co.uk/are-you-represented and contact admin@fashionroundtable.co.uk to be supplied with additional imagery and information. Please also follow on social media #areyourepresented
If you wish to find out how you can sponsor the paper please contact admin@fashionroundtable.co.u
Fashion Roundtable LTD is the only fashion-focused consultancy providing industry leading events, public affairs and policy. Fashion Roundtable Organisation LTD is our NFP which covers our All Party Parliamentary Group for Textiles and Fashion and policy work.
Fashion Roundtable’s founder, Tamara Cincik, has over 20 years’ experience in the industry and since the launching Fashion Roundtable, has spoken publicly on Fashion & Politics with a range of high profile business press including SKY TV, Vogue Business and Business Of Fashion.
Fashion Roundtable’s community includes the most influential Fashion Activists and politicians such as Katherine Hamnett CBE, Nick Knight OBE, Sarah Mower MBE, designers including Ashish, Richard Malone and Bethany Williams winner of this year’s Queen Elizabeth II Award For Design, as well as All Party Parliamentary Group for Textiles and Fashion members including Dr Lisa Cameron MP, Dame Eleanor Laing, John McNally MP, Rushanara Ali MP, Catherine West MP and Andrea Jenkyns MP.
Press Release for The Power of Influence Fashion Roundtable Event at The Shop At Bluebird Covent Garden
“I am thrilled to be bringing a Fashion Roundtable event to the magical new The Shop at Bluebird in Floral Street. It’s a beautiful store, celebrating great fashion and style with a witty approach. Like many fashionistas, I worked hard to get a seat on the Front Row at catwalk shows; but what is also relevant is what we can do with that voice once we have achieved that influence. It’s one thing getting there, it’s another using it. That’s why I am so pleased to have these incredible speakers on board, all of whom have used their platforms to promote positive change. Am excited to share this event with you!”
Date: 11/07/2018
Arrival: 5pm
Discussion: 5.30 - 7.30pm
Location: The Shop at Bluebird
Carriage Hall
29 Floral Street
London
WC2E 9DP
Tickets: please click on the link here.
Why The Power of Influence?
Fashion Roundtable promote an inclusive, positive fashion industry: open and accessible to all. For this event, we discuss how is it one thing to get to the Front Row at fashion shows, or indeed the Front Bench in politics. However, what do you want to do with that position of power and privilege once you get there? Our event next week will chart not only the reasons why using one’s influence as a force for positive actions, but also an opportunity to share ideas and actions.
Speakers for The Power of Influence event are: -
Katharine Hamnett CBE, world renowned fashion designer, activist and the original Mrs. Tee, who invented the slogan t’shirt: “I’ve always believed in using media coverage to try to effect change. The reason I was able to do that and say whatever I wanted was because I was always my own boss. We launched my company in 1979 with 500 quid and stayed completely independent. If I wanted to do something, no one could stop me.”
Lisa Cameron MP, Former NHS clinical psychologist turned SNP MP, the SNP Westminster Mental Health Spokesperson and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Textiles and Fashion (Fashion Roundtableare the secretariat for the APPG, connecting fashion and politics).
Christine Megson, Integrated public services consultant, former Education adviser to the Labour Government. Co-ordinates the @FabianWomen mentoring programme.
Karen Binns, Fashion Roundtable's Fashion Expert, a creative and fashion director, with over 25 years' experience in the global luxury fashion industry. An experienced public speaker, advocating inclusion and diversity.
Carson McColl,"Chief Whip" at iconic UK brand Gareth Pugh and co-founder of RawPowerMovement, a grass-roots activists' network, bringing power to a new generation of campaigners.
Anna Murray, Co Founder and Creative Director of Patternity, a ‘conscious creative organisation’ underpinned by their core philosophyand multidisciplinary research. All their projects, products and educational events work with pattern to inspire more curious, collaborative and connected ways of living.
Jessie Brinton, Former Features Director of the Sunday Times Style, writer, editor and sustainable living and environmental advocate.
Tamara Cincik, CEO and Founder of Fashion Roundtable said: “I am thrilled to be bringing a Fashion Roundtable event to the magical new The Shop at Bluebird in Floral Street. It’s a beautiful store, celebrating great fashion and style with a witty approach. Like many fashionistas, I worked hard to get a seat on the Front Row at catwalk shows; but what is also relevant is what we can do with that voice once we have achieved that influence. It’s one thing getting there, it’s another using it. That’s why I am so pleased to have these incredible speakers on board, all of whom have used their platforms to promote positive change. Am excited to share this event with you!”
For tickets please click on the link here.
For more information please email: admin@fashionroundtable.co.uk
Fashion Roundtable are the essential experts for fashion creatives, politicos, economists, educationalists, executives, and entrepreneurs.
Via Public Affairs, Political Intelligence, Advocacy across all platforms on and offline.
We engage across fashion and politics to raise awareness, create potential and generate policy platforms to support better understanding and business opportunities.
https://www.fashionroundtable.co.uk