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Source Fashion in 12-month deal with WRAP to boost sustainability

Source Fashion in 12-month deal with WRAP to boost sustainability

Fashion Network26-06-2025
It said the alliance will see WRAP embedded across Source Fashion's live and digital platforms, 'providing expert insight and leadership throughout the next 12 months'.
Key highlights will include a headline debate session led by Mark Sumner, WRAP Textiles Programme lead, entitled 'If We Started All Over Again, What Would It Look Like?'
The session 'will reimagine the fashion industry from the ground up, placing sustainability, circularity, and commercial viability at its centre'. It will also 'challenge traditional cost models, advocating for a shift from price-led production to value-driven retailing based on realistic sell-through potential'.
The seminar programme will also feature a panel session called 'When will consumers really pay more – are consumers ready?' bringing together, Rachel Gray, Behaviour Change manager, WRAP, with moderator Anna Berry, co-founder and director Retail 100, Berni Yates, Knowledge Exchange lead CSM, and Jo Hooper, CEO and founder NRBY Clothing 'to explore one of the sector's most debated questions: are consumers truly prepared to pay more for sustainable and ethically sourced fashion?'
Suzanne Ellingham, event director at Source Fashion, said: 'This is not a one-off activation—it's the start of a long term partnership focused on equipping companies with the insight they need to start to action real, measurable change.
'By working with WRAP across multiple channels, we're building a platform that not only starts conversations but supports the industry in acting on them. WRAP brings deep expertise in sustainability, and circularity, this partnership allows us to amplify that knowledge at scale.'
Sumner added: 'WRAP's UK Textiles Pact is already driving change, but this union takes our expertise beyond sustainability circles to inspire more people across the sector towards Circular Living. Source Fashion is a proven platform for bold, challenging conversations so we are proud to bring our insights to these important discussions to help propel the industry. Teaming up with Source Fashion on its event and content is a natural fit - we are ready to go further, together, to influence real progress.'
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The selected businesses will receive support for three consecutive editions of the show, a move designed to 'help them build long-term visibility and growth'. Suzanne Ellingham, event director of the show, said: 'As [we grow] into the largest manufacturing sourcing show in Europe, we believe it's our responsibility to support the brilliant manufacturers we have here in the UK. 'This is about more than just giving away stands. We're investing in the future of British manufacturing by helping these businesses tell their stories, connect with international buyers, and grow sustainably. It's a small way that we can give back, while also making sure UK manufacturing is properly represented on the global stage.' She said the programme will be open to a diverse range of UK manufacturers, from heritage textiles in Scotland to component specialists in the Midlands and South. It aims to address 'a long-standing lack of support for British producers who often struggle to afford the costs of exhibiting, especially when compared to government-subsidised competitors abroad'. Under the initiative, each business will receive a free stand at three consecutive Source Fashion shows in January 2026, July 2026 and January 2027; dedicated bespoke PR and marketing campaigns; and exposure through Source Fashion's global content channels. In its selection process, Source Fashion said it will work with its advisory board to identify manufacturers and makers that would benefit from the show. 'This initiative will become a permanent fixture of the show,' Ellingham added. 'Every 18 months, we'll refresh the pavilion with a new group of 15–20 heritage manufacturers and help them grow with us. The goal is that, by show four, they're thriving, confident exhibitors in their own right. If they're not quite there yet, that's okay too. This is about building something lasting, not transactional.' The first full cohort of heritage manufacturers will be announced in September. While most participants are still under wraps, organisers have confirmed outreach has already begun, and standout British businesses have already been selected to join the inaugural pavilion. They include Courtnery and Co, the last remaining button manufacturer in the UK, and Alexander Manufacturing, one of the last remaining luxury garment manufacturers in Scotland. 'These companies represent the exceptional craftsmanship and highlight how special British manufacturing and heritage can be. The scheme aims to spotlight, with more names to be revealed in the coming months', it said.

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