“It is vital we protect core funding routes for the industry,” explains Peter Lucas, chairman, UKFT, “so we will be taking up the case with both the Commission and with Lord Mandelson, Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills. The formation of UKFT could not have come at a better time as we are able to lobby the Government as a truly representative voice of the industry. We play a very active role with both Skillfast-UK and the National Skills Academy and it is important that these bodies are supported to preserve the manufacturing and design talent we have in the UK.

“Should Skillfast-UK not be successful in retaining a licence, our members, who include all the relevant trade bodies, would expect us to step up to the plate to ensure that appropriate training and education is available to employees within the fashion and textile industry.”

UKFT, which incorporates UK Fashion Exports, represents more than 300 leading fashion and textile companies. Affiliate member organisations include The British Fashion Council, the Association of Suppliers to the British Clothing Industry (ASBCI), The Savile Row Bespoke Association and the British Menswear Guild.

Membership talks are also progressing with the Scottish Textile Industry Association, the Textile Institute and the National Childrenswear Association.

Skillfast-UK’s current licence runs until the end of March 2010. It is one of 25 sector skills councils.

Ends.

About UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT)

UKFT is the body that represents the fashion and textile sector. Its members include major suppliers to high street retailers, as well as leading brands, such as Aquascutum, Ben Sherman, Bonsoir, John Smedley, Orla Kiely and Simon Carter.

UKFT succeeds the British Clothing Industry Association, which earlier this year subsumed UK Fashion Exports (UKFE), which is now the export division of the new organisation. UKFT is based at 5 Portland Place.

www.5portlandplace.org.uk