Who We Are

The Yorkshire Textiles umbrella was initiated by Leeds Fashion Works, whose founder members are fashion, retail and marketing adviser Suzy Shepherd; project facilitator, solicitor and governor of Leeds Trinity University, Carolyn Lord; educational consultant Paul Forbes OBE and accountant Andew Homer. Yorkshire Textiles is a broad and inclusive alliance of people and organisations who are passionate about what they do.

Employment in the sector is increasing; by more than 25% over four years in the region according to figures released in October 2012, defying predictions of a sharp drop. During this period Leeds Fashion Works and Yorkshire Textiles have championed the industry with politicians, the retail industry, educational establishments, the media and the widest range of stakeholders.

Our Strategy

It is the imbued excellence, the quality of the products and specialist skills that have led to the utilisation of Yorkshire Textiles by global brands. The sector in the Leeds City Region can build further on the connections between Yorkshire Textiles and internationally renowned fashion houses.

The association of pedigree products with internationally known designers and brands under the Yorkshire banner provides an effective springboard for other related industries in manufacture and design.

The association of the region with a longstanding reputation for high quality textiles and clothing manufacture adds to its shopping destination credentials, its appeal as a historic tourist destination and its engineering reputation. An energetic fashion scene promotes Yorkshire as a desirable place to live, work, study and spend.

How We Operate

Yorkshire Textiles and Leeds Fashion Works make things happen and deliver real projects which are of interest to the wider community. Our initiatives involve the promotion of Leeds City Region textiles and quality fashion, innovation and skills. The power of this key message cannot be under-estimated and the Financial Times, leading trade publications and the local and national press and media have all covered our work from the outset.

As a not-for-profit initiative, Yorkshire Textiles is invited to give presentations to many influential audiences. We have been the first port of call for ideas and contacts for many public and private sector initiatives and projects around fashion and the arts, retail, community engagement and regeneration.