Large gains in fashion and textiles manufacturing productivity recorded in April

June 10, 2016

The lastest Index of Production figures show fashion and texiles manufacturing enjoyed a stellar April with production improving 4.7% over the month.  This is in line with wider UK manufacturing that saw an increase of 2.4%. Despite this rise, productivity still remains down on the start of the year and currently stands at 89.2 in … More Large gains in fashion and textiles manufacturing productivity recorded in April

No change for vacancies although longer term trend down

June 6, 2016

Both Drapers and Fashion United online have seen little change in job vacancy advertisements over the past week.  However, on the four week scale, there has been a large slow down in both cases. Drapers Drapers Online advertised 1,908 vacancies on Friday 3rd June.  The most popular vacancies advertised were for design, merchandiser and sales … More No change for vacancies although longer term trend down

Exports up in March but values fall back slighty on annual measure

June 3, 2016

March’s export figures for selected fashion and textiles goods show an additional £38m was exported in the month with a value of £907m.  This represents the third successive increase in the value of exports although slightly below the £916m exported in March 2015.  All four product groups saw increases in the month with clothing standing … More Exports up in March but values fall back slighty on annual measure

High hopes for the future at Meet the Manufacturer

June 2, 2016

Having gained a lot of insight from the fantastic event last year, it was a pleasure to once again to attend Meet the Manufacture.  The strong conference and workshop line-up was very thought provoking with a large number of topics and subjects concerning UK fashion and textiles manufacturing covered. In many ways, it felt as … More High hopes for the future at Meet the Manufacturer

Drapers and Fashion United vacancy rates see weekly falls

May 22, 2016

Both Drapers and Fashion United saw online advertisements for vacancies fall in the week to Friday 20th May although longer-term trends look more positive. Drapers Drapers advertised 1,996 vacancies online.  This was down 60 on the previous week although over the longer term 121 vacancies more than four weeks before. In terms of roles advertised … More Drapers and Fashion United vacancy rates see weekly falls

3rd month of turnover increases for fashion and textiles manufacturers

May 20, 2016

April’s Office for National Statistics monthly business survey has shown the turnover of fashion and textiles manufacturers has increased for the third successive month with March’s figure standing at £726million, £32million higher than in February. Despite this positive pattern, the current turnover levels are below a year earlier in March 2015 where turnover value had … More 3rd month of turnover increases for fashion and textiles manufacturers

Retail and Internet fashion sales up in April

May 20, 2016

The latest retail figures released by the Office for National Statistics paint a picture of UK consumers spending once more in textiles, clothing and footwear stores with a 1.3% jump on March’s value of purchases although spending still remains 6.6% lower than the corresponding month last year. The volume measure followed a similar trend 1.3% … More Retail and Internet fashion sales up in April

Producer prices steady in April

May 18, 2016

The latest Office for National Statistics relase on producer prices has shown prices remained steady for textiles, clothing and leather manufacturers during April and follows a trend for the year. Over the long term textiles production costs have continued to remain lower than what has been recorded across the leather and apparel manufacturing sectors.  Apparel … More Producer prices steady in April

Fashion vacancies trends remain upwards

May 17, 2016

This week jobs advertised through Drapers online continued their recent rise whilst FashionUnited saw a small fall, the onward trend remains good. Drapers Jobs advertised through Drapers Online reached 2,056, a mark higher than in the previous week and four week periods.  The most popular jobs advertised were for design, merchandising and retail management Figure … More Fashion vacancies trends remain upwards