The Association of Suppliers to the British Clothing Industry (ASBCI) held a session in the UK, October 11, 2022.

The event brought together speakers, panelists and delegates from across the fashion industry with the express aim of fostering collaboration. The day saw animated debate and engagement from all sectors, and strong consensus on what needs to happen and how to get there. There was strong emphasis on the need for the textile and clothing industries to work together to effect meaningful change.

It was agreed collaboration was essential if the industry were to adapt to current and future challenges and that it should be up and down the supply chain and peer-to-peer and fair and equal with all voices heard. Too often suppliers and manufacturers are not represented when the industry comes together, but transformation could not be achieved without them. It was also felt essential to prevent big brands from railroading smaller ones and that there is a sharing of learning between competitors.

There was open and honest debate between speakers, panelists and the audience, and a real enthusiasm to explore solutions in a collaborative manner – which is what ASBCI has always insisted on. Participants said they looked forward to building on the momentum with future events on some of the key issues identified at the gathering.