Talking strategy: what will drive the UK apparel industry going forward?

Talking strategy: what will drive the UK apparel industry going forward?

After a period of unprecedented disruption, the UK fashion industry must adapt in order to survive. The days of huge production models and huge wastage are over. The key question is whether the industry can produce less and sell less and be more profitable. The future lies in open and honest communication within businesses, with supply chains, and between competitors in order to identify priorities and determine the most appropriate response. The “backbone” of this response will be technology, and this formed a central theme at Fashion Re:Set Summit 2022, which was held in the UK in October 2022 and was organised by the Association of Suppliers to the British Clothing Industry (ASBCI). In this report, Robin Anson examines the key takeaways from the summit, including the need for collaboration if the industry is to adapt to current and future challenges. Other key takeaways were that commitment to change needs to come from the top in order to achieve a more sustainable future, digital technologies are an essential component in the delivery of the change, and there is a need for employees who are skilled and knowledgeable in order to reset and effectively manage the challenges facing the industry.