NEWS Report from Richard Kottler, CEO. February 2012 Halfway through the selling season and we
have sensed a more optimistic atmosphere at exhibitions than we had predicted. Attendance at shows both here and abroad has been patchy but there has been serious buying and great contacts being made. A number of members have also landed good agents in various markets – a great platform for next season.
Shows The BFA has been prominent at MAGIC – a superb Wimbledon themed British area received terrific interest and helped exhibitors have a successful show. We also co-hosted a British Designers Collective stand for 4 new brands at the recent PURE Show – see below With this country being centre stage in the world this year with the Olympics and Diamond Jubilee, you will see more of these British sections in shows later this year. An important part of our support for the industry!
China After our introductory seminar in December,
we are receiving more and more expressions of interest from companies wanting to research this key market. We are now planning the next phase which will include: • Regular updates on the market from the China- Britain Business Council of which we are members
• Introduction to the relevant person in the CBBC for members wanting specific advice
• The possibility of a Footwear Industry Mission to China towards the end of the year – if there is sufficient interest
As a first step, I would be grateful if any member company wanting to get involved with the “China Project” to let me know so we can start the process noted above
Apprenticeships There has been a lot of noise in the press about this latest Government backed initiative – unfortunately not many hard details are available.
Earlier this month, Business Secretary Vince
Cable announced that, from April, Skillset will direct cash incentives of £1,500 to 500 small businesses in the creative industries who take on their first apprentice. More details on how to access the payment will be available soon. To find out how a Skillset Apprenticeship can
benefit your business, visit
www.skillset.org/fashionapprenticeship.
India We are happy to link with UKFT to bring this trip to your attention.
Opportunity India 2012 – UKFT and Brandspoke Fashion Research Visit 22nd to 27th April 2012 – your chance to
Richard Kottler CEO BF
A
Despite this looseness, I still believe that there will be a definite opportunity for our industry to get some real benefit – both financial and actual – when the details do emerge.
In the meantime, here is an update of what we know so far:
The Skillset Apprenticeship in Fashion and Textiles Skillset has been working with the fashion and
textiles industries over the past three years to develop and implement the new Skillset Apprenticeship in Fashion and Textiles. The Apprenticeship has grown exponentially in that time, with more than 600 apprentices expected to be registered by September – an increase of more than 2000% since 2010. One of the largest awarding bodies in the country, Pearson plc., has just signed on to deliver the qualifications that make up the Apprenticeship, which will translate into a massive increase in the number of training providers being able to offer it throughout the UK.
,
explore the market in India. UKFT, in collaboration with brand management and marketing specialists Brandspoke are offering fashion brands the chance to see first- hand the opportunities that exist in the world’s fastest growing commercial market. India will prove to be a market for many
brands, but research is suggests that those with a focus on young men’s fashion and sportswear will have the best first chance of developing business in India. So come with us – visit India with people who
are experienced in the market and can introduce you to the right contacts. You will be offered an itinerary tailored to the needs of the group (expected to number around 20), and one to one meetings with key retailers and fashion specialists in both Delhi and Mumbai. Great accommodation, extensive retail visits, and a variety of cultural experiences will ensure that you get the most out of this introduction to India. The cost, including flights from Heathrow,
internal flights, transfers, accommodation, and a tailored meeting programme is £3,800 per person..
Your UKFT contact is Laurian Davies
Laurian.davies@ukft.org
Great response to the BFA Designer Collective at PURE For the second consecutive season, the BFA have teamed up with PURE
to host their Designer Collective, a showcase of hand picked new British footwear brands. The Collective is a must-see for all buyers interested in setting themselves
apart by stocking unique collections from the next wave of new talent. The response at the show was phenomenal. All brands took orders and a
significant follow-up interest was shown. The 4 brands selected this season were Love art wear art, Just Anna shoes, Ruby Rocks footwear andStasia. Follow the links below.
8 • FOOTWEAR TODAY •MARCH 2012
The stand was visited by the fashion icon Zandra Rhodes who tweeted that she was “checking out the wonderful designs by the BFA collective”.
The Pure Designer Collective is just one of the initiatives supported by the BFA to nurture and mentor new and emerging designers and brands.
http://www.loveartwearart.com/ http://www.justannashoes.com/category/blog/ http://www.stasia.com/blogs/press http://twitter.com/#!/uksole
www.footweartoday.co.uk
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