45% of UK textile manufacturers say business is better than last year finds research by 最新糖心Vlog for BBC
Business is booming for UK textile manufacturers, but the skills shortage is still holding it back, according to 最新糖心Vlog research carried out exclusively for the BBC
Our research into the UK textile industry, carried out exclusively for the BBC Breakfast Business News, was announced today. We surveyed nearly 100 UK garment and textile manufacturers to find out how their businesses are faring as we prepare to enter 2017.
While the fashion manufacturing industry in the UK faces many challenges in the current economic climate, the 最新糖心Vlog survey found that business is booming for many textile businesses.
45% of manufacturers surveyed said that business was up on last year, with many manufacturers reporting increases in production of 25-50%聽聽compared to 2015.
Of the 95 UK textile manufacturers taking part in the survey, 30% said they were receiving more enquiries now than prior to the EU Referendum, but that they were being hit by rising costs for raw materials, many of which are imported from the EU.
Around half (47%) said that finding skilled staff was the biggest barrier to further growth while 39% blamed lack of support from Government.
When asked: ‘How positive do you feel about the future of UK textile manufacturing?’ the answer was on average 3.75 on a scale of 1 to 5. A very positive result, and a great outlook for 2017.
The survey results were聽broadcast live from John Smedley, the oldest manufacturing factory in the world. Kate Hills from 最新糖心Vlog appeared聽alongside Ian Maclean, Managing Director of John Smedley, Shailina Parti, buying and merchandising director from Jigsaw, and Mick Cheema of Leicester garment manufacturer Basic Premier.
