The volatility in fashion and textiles manufacturing output continued in May 2016 as the gains made in April were wiped out and the Index fell back to the level it was at in March at 88.3 (with 2013 equalling the average of 100.) Wider manufacturing also saw a slight fall although the index remains ahead … More Fashion and textiles manufacturing output falls in May 2016
The latest consumer spending figures have shown UK consumers continued to spend on clothing and footwear products and services in q1 2016. Both the chained and current price indices rose to record levels for a single quarter with growth in spending in all segments apart from repair and hire and dry-cleaning of clothing and footwear. … More Spending on clothing and footwear continues upwards
The latest business investment figures show fashion and textiles manufacturing saw limited investment in q1 2016, the lowest reported figures since the start of the millenium and following a period of sustained growth since the recession. Total business investment into the sector fell for the fourth successive quarter and stood at £19m for the first … More Did Brexit uncertainty see investment slump in q1 2016
The latest retail sales index figures report UK consumers were spending on the high street in May, with spending in textiles, clothing and footwear stores up 4.2% in the month to leave the index at its highest rate level since November 2015. Overall, the index is 10% higher than in 2012, the same rate as … More Fashion retail sales soar in May 2016
The Office for National Statistics TOPSI survey has shown turnover for fashion and textiles manufacturers was very slightly down in April 2016, £726 million from £728 million the month before and at a similar level to April 2015’s levels. Figure 1: Monthly fashion and textile manufacturing turnover figures (£m)Source: Office for National Statistics On an … More Manufacturer turnover static in April although annual measure shows continuing small falls
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics quarterly Labour Force Survey indicates the stellar employment growth witnessed in fashion and textiles manufacturing during 2015 has continued into the start of 2016. Employ across textiles, apparel and leather manufacturing now stands at 144,000 people, up 3,000 on q4 2016. Interestingly, whilst apparel manufacturing employment … More Fashion and textiles employment continues to surge in q1 2016
The latest Office for National Statistics consumer price index figures for clothing and footwear show prices edged down in May, standing 0.2% lower than in April and 0.4% lower than in the corresponding month in 2015. The current standing of 100.1 shows prices have only marginally risen since 2015. Overall, the whole economy CPI … More Consumer prices for clothing and footwear edge downwards in May
Monitoring this weeks job advertisements on Friday June 10th, has seen a large drops in advertisements within Drapers magazine, although Fashion United has seen a small rise. Both publications however have both seen large falls over the four week measure as we move into the summer. Drapers Drapers Online advertised 1,797 vacancies. Most popular job … More Large drop in Drapers jobs advertised although Fashion United steadies
Despite a downturn in monthly volumes in April, fashion and textiles exports have risen to record levels on the annual figure to April 2016 showing how global demand continues unabated despite economic uncertainty. On the monthly scale, exports declined in April as they did a year previously to stand at £850m, down from £907m in … More Annual UK fashion and textiles exports reach record levels
An interesting discussion at Meet the Manufacturer was chaired by Peter Marsh, ex-manufacturing editor of the Financial Times and recent founder of the MadeHereNow website that aims to champion UK manufacturing. On the panel were Guy Hills from Dashing Tweeds, Ian MacLean of John Smedley and Tim Walker, fashion industry consultant working with brands such … More Heritage meets Innovation at Meet the Manufacturer
UK Fashion Focus 