A Huge Success for the Northern Clothing & Textile Network
The Northern Clothing & Textile Network event on 17th March was another runaway success says David Reay, Chair of NCTN.
“I said in my interview before the event that the Northern Clothing & Textile Network goes from strength to strength. Last Friday’s event proved my point, even exceeding my own expectations” said David Reay
At the Northern Design Centre guests from the NE region’s up-and-coming clothing, jewelry and furnishings designers and manufacturers heard compelling presentations from Jenny Holloway, CEO of Fashion Capital www.fashioncapital.co.uk and Mark Harrop CEO of Which PLM http://www.whichplm.com They were joined on the platform by Louisa Rogers @Trendlistr
“Our 3 speakers delivered inspirational, thought provoking and compelling presentations that left our audience buzzing with ideas for pushing forward with the re-establishment of the textile industry in the region” said David.
Fashion Capital and its sister company Fashion Enter are right at the heart of bringing manufacture for major brands back to the UK. Jenny Holloway shared her vision for the future of UK manufacturing encouraging the audience to embrace their passion for fashion and “got-for-it”. “Fashion Enter now manufactures 12,000 garments per week for brands such as M&S, ASOS & Finery. This is just a small example of what is possible and there is no reason why the NE cannot be part of the re-shoring movement for British brands” said Jenny.
Mark Harrop demonstrated the art of the possible in the rapid advancements in technology and the massive impact on manufacturing processes worldwide. 3D printing and advancements in precision manufacturing make for an exciting future for the industry. The NE has successfully created and supports thriving technology, advanced manufacturing and software development industries. The same approach is needed for textile manufacturing. There is a healthy supply chain ready to be developed in the region but investment is needed to breathe life back into large scale clothing & textile manufacturing. “What our young designers and brands are doing now is impressive and they deserve our support.” Said David. “I encourage any individual or organisation with an interest in seeing clothing & textile manufacturing flourish again to get in touch. By working together we can make the region’s textile industry great again.”
David Reay has 35years experience in the clothing and textile industry and has held senior posts with J Barbour & Sons, Jockey International, M&S, Warnaco and many other well-known international brands. David hails from the North East of England and is committed to furthering the renaissance of the clothing & textile industry in the North.
The Northern Clothing & Textile Network is a collaboration between David Reay and RTC North’s Design Network North.