Signs of a renaissance in British clothing and textile design and manufacture are evident. Kate Hills is founder and CEO of “Make it British” and a former designer and buyer for major brands such as Burberry and M&S. In 2014, she founded Meet the Manufacturer – which brings together buyers and designers looking to make products in Britain.

Britain is the world’s fifteenth largest textile manufacturing country. It’s one of the largest consumers of textile and clothing goods with a yearly market size of around 58 billion pounds.

The EU will remain the biggest trade partner of the UK even after Brexit. Around 50 per cent of British export goes to the EU. If tariff and non-tariff barriers are imposed on this zone, the British fashion industry will be affected. Many fashion businesses of UK have very close ties with suppliers and consumers of different EU countries. These businesses must not be disturbed for the stability of the sector.

In mostly a price-driven retail market British companies will continue to face competition from overseas manufacturers. Apart from the scarcity of a skilled work force, unwillingness of the young generation to join manufacturing will be challenging. High cost of energy and lack of investments in textile and clothing manufacturing will cause sufferings in the growth pattern.