HRH The Princess Royal was in London this week to meet with the growing team at UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT), which is expanding as its scope of activity increases. HRH The Princess Royal has been the President of the association for more than 35 years but UKFT has transformed in recent years to support the dramatic changes within the industry it supports, spanning the entire UK fashion and textile supply chain.
She was welcomed by UKFT Chairman Nigel Lugg and introduced to the various members of the team, who look after areas of activity covering lobbying, business support, international business, skills and training, and UK manufacturing. Most recently, Faye Williams has joined UKFT to develop its network for early-stage fashion and textile businesses UKFT Rise, alongside Purdey Lines, who is building on UKFT’s social media, marketing and communications. Celia Thornley also joined the team in a full time role in July as skills and training manager after working with the association as a consultant for the last year.
Adam Mansell, CEO of UKFT, said: “HRH The Princess Royal has been a passionate supporter and champion of the UK fashion and textile industry for years so it was a great opportunity to introduce her to some of our latest plans, including enhanced promotion for textile companies at overseas trade shows and an ambitious three-year plan to promote careers in fashion and textile manufacturing to young people across the UK.”
