Fashion
UK manufacturers slam brakes on investment as demand weakens: Survey
The downturn in manufacturing output was broad-based across sub-sectors. Firms expect output to fall again over the quarter to January.
The UK manufacturing sector endured another challenging period in the quarter to October, with output and orders falling sharply, sentiment deteriorating and investment plans cut back sharply, a Confederation of British Industry survey revealed.
Demand conditions weakened notably, cost pressures remained elevated and and manufacturers’ investment appetite markedly deteriorated.
Demand conditions weakened notably. The volume of total new orders fell sharply across the quarter (minus 20 per cent, from minus 17 per cent in July). Both domestic and export orders fell at their fastest rates since the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic (July 2020).
Levels of total and export order books remained well below their long-run averages, and manufacturers anticipate another drop in new orders over the next three months.
Cost pressures remained elevated, although growth in domestic selling prices has slowed and export prices have fallen, suggesting a squeeze on margins. Manufacturing competitiveness fell in all major markets, a CBI release said.
Manufacturers’ investment appetite has deteriorated markedly. Spending plans for the year ahead fell across every category, held back by weak demand, inadequate net returns and shortages of internal finance.
Investment in plant and machinery and buildings looks set to fall particularly sharply. The share of firms investing to expand capacity fell to a level last seen in the recessions of 2009 and the early 1980s. Meanwhile, employment fell at the fastest pace for five years.
The share of firms citing orders or sales as a factor likely to limit output in the next three months rose from July and stands above the long-run average (73 per cent, from 62 per cent in July).
Manufacturers expect stocks of finished goods, raw materials and work in progress to all fall in the three months to January.
Manufacturing competitiveness deteriorated across all major markets in the three months to October. Competitiveness is expected to decline again in the three months to January, particularly in UK markets, followed by European Union (EU) and non-EU markets.
The survey covered 218 manufacturing firms.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
The Taiwan Textile Select at TITAS 2025, organised under the Textile Export Promotion Project (TEPP) by the Taiwan Textile Federation (TTF) and commissioned by the International Trade Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), spotlighted Taiwan’s leadership in sustainable, functional, and fashion textiles.
At TITAS, Taiwan Textile Select, under the Textile Export Promotion Project by TTF and MOEA, spotlighted 19 leading firms advancing eco-conscious, high-performance textiles.
The ‘RECODE 2050’ showcase and company presentations emphasised Taiwan’s R&D strength, sustainability leadership, and role as a global hub for next-generation textile innovation.
Aimed at positioning Taiwan as a global hub for eco-conscious sourcing, TEPP facilitates international buyer meetings, nurtures textile traders, stages fashion showcases, and promotes the industry worldwide. The Taiwan Textile Select booth’s successful debut at TITAS 2025 this month featured 19 leading companies, reflecting the nation’s robust supply chain, R&D excellence, and commitment to sustainability.
The ‘RECODE 2050’ fashion showcase illustrated the synergy between textile manufacturers and designers, translating innovative sustainable fabrics into high-fashion creations. Additionally, four key companies—Li Peng, New Wide, Wildbear Technology, and N-Star—delivered presentations on circularity, certification, and renewable material innovations.
By bridging performance and sustainability through such initiatives, TEPP continues to enhance Taiwan’s global competitiveness and strengthen its reputation as a source of next-generation textile solutions.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RKS)
In contrast, imports of textile yarn and fabric fell *.* per cent to ***,*** million yen (~$*.** billion) during the same period, representing just * per cent of total imports. On the export side, textile yarn and fabric shipments slipped *.* per cent to ***,*** million yen (~$*.** billion), while textile machinery exports grew *.* per cent to ***,*** million yen (~$*** million), contributing *.* per cent to Japan’s total exports of **,***,*** million yen. The machinery export growth indicates ongoing international demand for Japanese technology, especially in developing textile hubs.
In September ****, clothing and accessories imports increased *.* per cent year-on-year to ***,*** million yen (~$*.** billion), accounting for *.* per cent of total imports worth *,***,*** million yen. Imports of textile yarn and fabric also rose *.* per cent to ***,*** million yen (~$*** million), representing * per cent of total imports.
Published
October 27, 2025
Womenswear retailer New Look has launched its first-ever loyalty programme, Club New Look. The company, which is one of the biggest British names in womenswear targeting the 18-44 age group, said it comes with an online 25% off Welcome Offer, exclusive weekly ‘Club Prices’, early access to sales, new launches and promotional events, and entry into exclusive members-only prize draws and competitions.
It’s the latest result of the £30 million investment the retailer announced back in the spring as it continues its digital transformation journey, supported by a £30m investment announced in April to accelerate its online and data capabilities. Over the past five years, the business has transformed its digital offer, including an upgraded website and app, a 7-million-strong social community and category-leading positions in dresses, denim, outerwear, and footwear.
The launch of the free-to-join programme follows “a successful trial and extensive customer feedback”. It’s now live across the UK and CEO Helen Connolly said it’s targeting 800,000 members by the end of the financial year.
A couple of months ago, it was reported that New Look’s owners — investment firms Alcentra and Brait — had take a step forward in their plan to sell the business and had appointed bankers to run a strategic review.
A Sky News report said the review “is expected to see the company change hands next year” and that the owners had received a number of “unsolicited approaches for the business from unidentified suitors”.
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