Production of UK textile and apparel increased 2.5 per cent over the last two years. Exports rose 28 per cent from 2012 to 2016. Apparel exports alone increased by 41 per cent from 2012 to 2016. The Textiles Growth Program has helped create 1,600 jobs and 115 apprenticeship positions in England in its first year. So far, over 340 manufacturing companies have invested in the program, creating an additional 4,450 jobs and 380 apprenticeships.

The continued rise in exports is driven by a number of factors including an increased interest in heritage UK manufacturing, the creativity of British fashion designers as well as the importance of the UK as a key apparel trading hub.

The UK textile and apparel industry has always been well recognized around the world as one of the most influential players in the global market for its leading position in fashion designing, manufacturing, retailing and fashion education. There was a slowdown in growth over the past few years due to the strong competition from emerging Asian countries and uncertainty from Brexit.

New investment and government support are expected to further boost industry growth by creating more jobs, supporting more capital projects, training more skilled workers, and facilitating R&D.