Brexit & Covid-19: Impacts on the UK Fashion, Textiles & Technology Ecosystem

Dr Caroline Hemingray - School of Design, Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures

Economics/Management and business studies - Responsive Mode

The project will provide policy relevant evidence on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit on the UK textile and fashion industry (including apparel). It builds on a baseline survey (814 responses), undertaken by University of Arts London in 2019, which was a part of their core CICP delivery within their original funding application. This study report attracted attention from policy makers and industry experts. While Brexit has been the main issue for the industry since 2016, and has been further complicated by the pandemic, we need to have an updated evidence-based strategy for supporting the UK industry and advancing R&D in the sector. This project will draw on interdisciplinary research and make practical recommendations to support the future direction of the sector. The collaborators have established relationships with key influencers.

The PI has previous experience of working collaboratively with industry partners to realise industry-relevant and impactful research outcomes. The Co-I has conducted research on the UK textile and fashion industry since 1996 and has published several articles resulting from this and a recent book. The research has inter alia examined the determinants of competitive advantage, including the recent revival in parts of the UK textile industry.

You can contact Dr Caroline Hemingray by emailing c.s.hemingray@leeds.ac.uk