Following the footsteps of the largest importer of apparels, the US, now the UK has decided to focus on bringing mass-market garment production back to the country. However, experts speaking on the subject at the recent ASBCI conference 'Making it in the UK - Ready or not?' expressed that there are still challenges to overcome if the 'Made in Britain' movement.
Today, more than 100,000 people are employed in the UK textile industry compared with 340,000 at the end of the millennium. Yet clothing manufacturers produced £3.2 billion at cost during 2012, up from £2.9 billion in 2008. Domestic manufacturing in the UK seems to be back on track again owing to rising labour costs and freight charges in overseas destinations, China concentrating on domestic consumption and difficulty in sourcing raw materials.
Another reason behind the trend is the customers asking for original British fashion and growing environmental and ethical concerns over 'sweatshop' style workplaces in foreign locations from where the country imports. Basic Thinking, which makes women’s and children’s fast fashion clothing, for instance has decided to focus on production back in the UK. Earlier, the Leicester-based firm manufactured its requirements from its vertical operation in Egypt with an average lead time of eight weeks FOB but now, the company only manufactures 20 per cent of its product in Egypt with lead times between two and four weeks, and 80 per cent of its garments in the UK.
However, it’s just the beginning with 60 per cent of the UK's clothing workforce over 40 years old and young showing no interest in working for the textile manufacturing unit, the industry would face obstacles in setting up manufacturing operations in the UK. Basic Thinking, in conjunction with training provider KTL, has set up its own sewing academy, which plans to enroll unemployed people on the course starting next month. Also Fashion Enter, a not-for-profit social enterprise, is developing skills within the country's fashion and textiles industry with its stitching academy and factory.
With the country investing only 1.5 per cent of its manufacturing investment in the clothing, textile and leather industries over the past few years, there’s definitely a long way to go.
