Despite economic
uncertainty and issues related to skilled manpower availability, 2017 has been
a great year for British fashion and textile manufacturers, half of whom saw an increase in
turnover, says the annual Make it British survey. On an average, textile
production was up by 25 per cent and many are now running double shifts to keep
up with the demand. Make it British is an independent company
founded by designer Kate Hills to help promote UK manufacturing and brands. The survey covered nearly 100 manufacturers from across the fashion and
textile sector, ranging from small workshops producing luxury womens wear to
big textile mills.
As more British companies look to source locally
and restore their production back to the United Kingdom, 58 per cent of
manufacturers received more interest from customers, a press release from the
company said citing the survey. The
increase in production and turnover is being helped in part by the exchange
rate working in UK manufacturers favour. “As the pound loses its value our
turnover has increased by 30 per cent,” one manufacturer reported.
Thirty per cent of UK textile manufacturers are
exporting more than they were in 2016, yet still a third of those surveyed said
that they weren’t yet exporting. Ageing
workforce is a concern, with nearly half of the manufacturers worried about the
age of their staff. Two thirds have an average workforce age of over 40 at
their factories, but many are taking on young people through apprenticeships.
But attracting young people to the industry is proving tough.
Source: News Times, United Kingdom Monday, 01 January 2018