Focus Consultants research economic benefit of Leicester Textiles Hub

Leicester Textiles

Economic development experts at Focus Consultants have been researching the benefits of creating a textiles hub and training centre in Leicester.

The company has been working with Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) and Leicester City Council with support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to explore the creation of a hub and training centre in the city to help Leicester boost its textiles industry. 

The textiles manufacturing sector in the Leicester and Leicestershire LEP area has been identified as a priority growth sector, due to it contributing over £0.5 billion to the LLEP economy, as well as it being the second largest textiles employment area in the UK.  Within Leicester and Leicestershire, the sector employs 9,480 people in 1,480 firms.

With the demand for ‘fast fashion’ ever increasing in the UK’s retail sector, an advantage of producing apparel in the UK is that retailers can expect the production of their goods to have a faster turnaround than if they were using overseas suppliers. This offers significant opportunities to bring more textiles manufacturing back to the UK, and with its diverse history in the textiles industry, Leicester plans to be at the heart of this. 

The Funding, Research and Economic Development team at Focus, which has an office at Meridian Business Park, Leicester, has been appointed by the LLEP to investigate the need for a new textiles hub and the benefits it could bring to the city’s economy. Led by Focus partners, Heather Frecklington and Karl Marriott, their role includes working with manufacturers and suppliers of technical machinery to evaluate costs, in addition to consultation with leading high street retailers and e-tailers, such as New Look and Asos, to understand the demand for fast fashion, the opportunity for increased UK production and how Leicester can be best placed to benefit from this growth.

Heather Frecklington, the partner responsible for Focus’ FRED Team, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed to undertake this exciting study. Global factors are influencing reshoring of manufacturing back to the UK and the aim of the proposed hub is to understand how to meet the needs of both retailers and manufacturers in order to support and grow the fashion and textiles sector in Leicester.

“We have worked on economic impact assessments for the Leicester area previously, including a report undertaken by our team which found that the discovery of King Richard lll brought in more than £59 million to Leicester’s economy, from the time of the discovery to the reinternment, and we are pleased to be continuing our links with the city and its development.”

The study has explored the need for a sector specific hub and training centre to provide relevant services to the local small and medium enterprise community, as well as accommodate the needs of large retailers and online brands. It has included in-depth consultation with manufacturers and retailers in the sector, as well as industry experts, stakeholders and potential partners to gauge their opinion on the need, and potential shape of a Leicester Hub, and the demand for services within it. 

Sue Tilley, economic strategy manager for the Leicester & Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) said: “There is a need for a different kind of Leicester textiles industry and the Hub would have an important part to play in changing this perception. It would also work to help manufacturers to recognise the need to adopt a different approach to trading and costing.

“We know that Leicester is one of only five UK centres for mass, fast fashion textile production and there is profound support for Leicester from many of Britain’s leading fashion retailers and e-tailers. So this is a fantastic opportunity for the local industry to pull together to maximise positive commercial developments such as re-shoring of UK based production to improve the fashion and textile sector in Leicester.”

The FRED team at Nottingham-based Focus, which also has branches in London, Leicester, Boston and Aubourn in Lincolnshire, specialises in securing funding for projects, economic impact assessments, regeneration strategies, research and feasibility strategies.

Since 1994 Focus has also secured for clients more than £953 million of grants for projects and businesses across the UK and delivered more than £1.3 billion worth of projects and programmes – making it one of the most successful businesses of its kind in the country.

It also offers a range of services to the property and construction industry, including building surveying, quantity surveying, project management, and sustainable development support.

For more information, visit www.focus-consultants.co.uk

Press release issued by Nottingham based PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

Lisa Lemon hands-free bags launches new collection

Lisa Lemon Loveday (multi-way) bag

Three stylish additions have been made to the Lisa Lemon collection of hands-free bags.

Designed and created in Britain, from luxury soft Italian leather, the new collection features a gorgeous array of fashion accessories.

The chic Loveday multi-way bag can be worn around the waist or across the body, and features a handy clip that allows the Loveday purse or other items to be securely fastened either inside or outside the bag. It’s ideal for quick and easy access to cash, cards and other essentials. Available in bright blue or caramel, the Loveday multi-way bag also has an internal phone pocket.

The practical and versatile Benson hands-free bag with detachable belt, is perfect for both men and women, and comes in navy blue or dark brown. It also has an internal clip for keys and Benson accessories, as well as an internal phone pocket.

Also new to the collection is the Eliza clutch bag, which is available in lemon and elephant grey. Made from gorgeous soft raw edge Italian vegetable tanned leather, the Eliza clutch makes an eye-catching addition to any occasion, day or evening. In October, metallic features will be available on the Eliza clutch bag.

Lisa Lemon hands-free bags are ideal for the travel savvy, just the job for commuters and perfect for festivals and gigs…freeing up both hands to answer a mobile call, carry a coffee or glass of something stronger, or while dancing to your heart’s content.

They are also a practical and stylish way to keep possessions safe and secure while taking the little ones to school, walking the dog or out for a romantic hand-in-hand stroll.

The Loveday multi-way is priced £95, the Benson at £105 and the Eliza clutch at £88. Also in the Lisa Lemon collection are the Loveday purse priced at £45 and the Benson wallet, priced at £65, plus the Bella hands-free bag in orange or purple, which costs £140.

For more details visit http://www.lisa-lemon.com/

Press release issued by Nottingham based PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk