The ASBCI annual conference, which is taking place on 16 October at the University of Manchester will bring together UK clothing industry leaders to explore how to bring about meaningful change within the industry, while remaining profitable.
ASBCI said the event will feature insights from experts as well as practical advice from big-name retailers.
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ASBCI’s general manager Kirsty Holdsworth explained: “We know that change is needed and we know what needs to be done, but how do we actually get there? That is the challenge.
“We’re all talking about sustainability, but understanding what steps to take and what is right for each brand or business can be daunting. This year, we wanted to ensure that all attendees walk away from the conference with key learnings and tangible action points that they can apply to their businesses.”
Key sessions at ASBCI’s annual 2025 conference
The conference will include a keynote speech by Tamara Sender Ceron of Mintel and author of the Mintel ‘UK Fashion Sustainability Market Report 2025’. This will set the scene with an overview of the current landscape from a consumer’s perspective.
Next’s digital product creation lead Lysette Kuwaki will share how the business is navigating its digital product development transformation. She will share the UK retailer’s brand journey, from AI-enhanced design and block building to supplier engagement and digital twins.
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By GlobalDataCircKit’s Joe Darwin will reveal how brands and retailers can leverage the latest AI technologies to embed sustainable and circular practices in the design process.
While, the president of GreenEarth Cleaning Tony Chvala will discuss how to achieve true product circularity.
Plus, there will be sessions from the likes of Stuart Trevor (founder of All Saints), Giuliano Martello (previously Paul Smith), Anne Davies (Fashanne), Jenny Holloway (Fashion Enter / Apparel & Textile Manufacturers Federation) and Suzanne Ellingham (Source Fashion), who will share insights and deliver actionable points as the fashion industry grapples with the transformation required.
The event will combine keynote presentations with panel discussions and fireside chats to cover the hot topics of the day and the urgent imperative for change.
ASBCI noted the speakers will consider both upstream and downstream processes, covering design, development and materials, manufacturing and the supply chain, before looking at retail, consumer behaviour and the business models that will allow all sections of the industry to thrive. There will be discussions around circularity and durability, and a spotlight on the regulatory landscape as a catalyst for change.
