The UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT) has urged the UK government to provide Tradeshow Access Program (TAP) grants to eligible brands to attend virtual tradeshows. Additionally, UKFT has also ensured that the grants will be made available to companies which have exhausted their access to the TAP scheme.

UKFT believes in current challenging times, companies should get an opportunity to test out the virtual tradeshow route as these platforms have great functionality. These shows enable buyers and sellers to meet online. Traditional platforms work best for buyers and sellers who know each other already but virtual tradeshows attract new buyers by creating a curated edit of brands and products to the platforms, according to a UKFT press release.

The first virtual tradeshow releases are expected to be Playtime (running on Playologie.com for children’s wear; Pitti Uomo (running on Pitti Connect) for menswear, accessories and footwear; Pitti Bimbo (running on Pitti Connect) for children’s wear, accessories and footwear; Cabana Miami Swim (running on Joor) for swim, beachwear, cruise and resort; Premium and Seek Berlin (running on Joor) for menswear, women’s wear, casual wear, accessories, jwellery, footwear; Project NYC and MRket NYC pending decisions from the organisers (running on Nuorder.com) for menswear, women’s wear, children’s wear, accessories, footwear, resort.

UKFT recommends that companies hold off on making a decision on whether to use the virtual platforms until they receive confirmation that they are eligible for a grant. Once accepted for a grant, UKFT will refer these companies to the correct people to apply for the right part of the platform.