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Lord Macdonald welcomes formation of Scottish Textiles Network
31/03/1999
The formation of the Scottish Textiles Network, a new group aimed at supporting the textiles industry in Scotland was today welcomed by Scottish Business and Industry Minister Lord Macdonald.
Lord Macdonald said:
"I warmly welcome the formation of the Scottish Textiles Network. The textiles industry remains one of our most important manufacturing sectors but it is currently facing a difficult time. This development will help to ensure that the industry in Scotland gets the best possible support available, on a consistent basis across Scotland, to help it meet the challenges it faces.
"The Network will, as one of its first tasks, examine the conclusions of the Pathfinders to the Parliament survey as they apply to the textiles sector. It will also want to consider the strategy being drawn up at a UK level by the Textiles and Clothing Strategy Group, due to be published later this year. The new Network will also act as a one-stop-shop for the exchange of information with the industry and the various support agencies.
"The Network will work in close partnership with the Scottish Textile Association which is being re-launched as an organisation to represent employers in the sector."
BACKGROUND
1. The new Network has been formed following the decision to wind up the Scottish Textile Association in its present form.
2. Founder members are Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Borders Enterprise, Forth Valley Enterprise, Glasgow Development Agency, Lanarkshire Development Agency, Lothian and Edinburgh Enterprise Limited, Moray Badenoch and Strathspey Enterprise, and Renfrewshire Enterprise. A number of other LECs and agencies are considering joining the network.
3. The network is being run on a two-year basis initially and in February 1999 Scottish Enterprise appointed a network manager, Julia Scott-Barrett, to co-ordinate activities.
4. Funding for the network comes from Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the seven Local Enterprise Companies listed above, and from Europe.
5. A Textiles and Clothing Strategy Group is drawing up a strategy at a UK level for the industry. An interim report, planned for July 1999, will be issued for public consultation, and a final report issued in October 1999. The Group is chaired by James McAdam of the British Apparel and Textile Confederation, and includes representatives from Government, the Unions and industry. The Scottish Office is being consulted on matters being discussed by the Group.
6. The report of the Pathfinders to the Parliament was published on 30 March 1999.
7. Anyone wishing to contact Scottish Textile Association in its new capacity can call Tony Taylor, Chairman, on 01750 22312.
News Release: 0821/99
31 March 1999