Responding to the publication of the Government’s Industrial Strategy White Paper, Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief Executive of the BRC said:
“We welcome today’s publication of the Government’s Industrial Strategy White Paper. It is essential that the UK makes the right choices to ensure that we are able to compete with world leading companies in key sectors as we look to the future.
“We hope to persuade government of the merits of a fashion and textile industry sector deal. Leading retailers aspire to source more apparel from domestic manufacturers and a partnership with government for an industry sector deal which would herald an opportunity to make a material difference in breaking down the barriers to creating a world-leading, high-tech ethical fashion manufacturing industry based here in the UK, from a small base today.
“We also look to the Government for a similar commitment towards a digital inclusion partnership, using the scale and reach of the industry to improve digital literacy across the UK workforce. Raising digital literacy goes hand in hand with maintaining and building on productivity gains in the industry, that continue to outpace the UK average, and supports the Government’s aspiration of a digital economy that works for all.”