UK: Textile Institute launches strategy and marketing group

The Textile Institute has strengthened its network of industry focused Special Interest Groups with the creation of a new body to promote strategy and marketing for textiles, apparel and related industries. Chaired by David Rigby, a strategy and marketing consultant to the global industry, the new group is part of the Institute's drive to provide services to members associated with the commercial issues they face in their day-to-day business strategy.David Rigby explains: "Increasingly, companies in textiles and related industries have to think more clearly about business strategies and market focus. Having efficient operations is not enough if the strategic focus is wrong. Rapid changes in the global market, and its supply chain, mean that overall business direction and marketing strategies need to be constantly under review."From the start, the group will be based on the Internet so that advice, support and information can be quickly shared worldwide."The Textile Institute's Special Interest Groups - separated into a number of different divisions, unite all sectors represented by the membership. Each Group is run by a committee elected by its members and organizes conferences, seminars and study tours to disseminate ideas, steer initiatives and create links to further the interests of members.Terry Hennessey, director general of