Fashion
LEI for UK declines by 0.3% in August 2025: Conference Board
However, the Conference Board Coincident Economic Index (CEI) for the United Kingdom increased by 0.2 per cent in August 2025 to 108.3 (2016=100), after also no change in July. Overall, the CEI for the UK grew by 0.8 per cent over the six-month period from February to August 2025, on par with the 0.8 per cent increase observed over the previous six-month period between August 2024 and February 2025, The Conference Board said in a press release.
“The UK LEI remained on a downward trend and continued to decline in August,” said Timothy Brennan, economic research associate at The Conference Board. “As in previous months, the weakness came primarily from soft consumer sentiment, lower housing sale expectations, and a rise in unemployment claimants, which more than offset gains from financial components, operating surplus, and productivity. The 6-month growth rate of the UK LEI stayed above the recession threshold, and the warning signal was not triggered either. Still, the LEI reading indicates that economic growth in the United Kingdom will be sluggish through the remainder of 2025 and into 2026. The Bank of England cut the bank rate for the third time this year in August 2025, a move that could help ease economic headwinds. The Conference Board expects UK GDP to grow by 1.3 per cent in 2025 and in 2026.”
The UK Leading Economic Index fell 0.3 per cent in August 2025, signalling continued weakness due to poor consumer sentiment and rising unemployment claims.
Despite this, the Coincident Index rose 0.2 per cent, reflecting modest current growth.
The LEI’s six-month decline suggests sluggish economic prospects through 2026, though not recessionary.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)
Published
October 17, 2025
Landsec can push ahead with the revitalisation of Lewisham town shopping centre in Southeast Londonafter the property giant secured planning permission for the phased redevelopment of the run-down 1970s venue.
The “approved masterplan will deliver a reimagined shopping centre”, offering the same amount of retail space as today while also allowing the delivery of over 1,700 new homes, 660 student beds and 445 co-living residences.
Approved by Lewisham Council, the plans also include a permanent home for Lewisham’s Model Market, and a 500-capacity culture, music and arts venue that will “reignite the area’s night-time economy”.
Almost half of the 17-acre site is also set to become new public green space.
The ambitious residential-led neighbourhood has the potential to redefine urban life in Lewisham, creating a thriving, sustainable town centre, we’re told. The plans have been carefully phased to retain key parts of the shopping centre. And with all the new residential space it could mean a major boost for the shops there.
Mike Hood, COO of Landsec said: “This is an exciting moment for the future of Lewisham’s town centre. These plans provide much-needed homes, community spaces and facilities that will enhance urban life for generations, while delivering sustainable returns that support our ambition for long-term growth.”
Copyright © 2025 FashionNetwork.com All rights reserved.
Published
October 17, 2025
Diamond jewellery brand Zen Diamond has announced its partnership with the Natural Diamond Council with the aim of promoting both natural diamonds and responsible sourcing to boost consumer trust.
“At Zen Diamond, we’ve always believed that every diamond carries not just timeless beauty but also a responsibility- to our artisans, to communities, and to customers seeking trust,” said Zen Diamond India’s managing director Neil Sonawala in a press release. “This NDC partnership is more than a badge; it is a commitment to transparency, integrity, and sustainability. We are honoured to join the ranks of globally verified natural diamond brands, and this milestone will further guide our future innovations and client relationships.”
The partnership also highlights Zen Diamond’s commitment to authenticity and sustainability, according to the business, which counts over 450 stores globally. By offering its customers an independent assurance of authenticity, the business aims to bolster confidence and promote responsible luxury in the diamond industry.
“At Natural Diamond Council, our focus is on promoting facts, sustainable practices, transparency and authenticity of natural diamonds, while staying attuned to modern consumer preferences,” said the Natural Diamond Council’s managing director for India and the Middle East Richa Singh. “These shared values form the foundation of our partnership with Zen Diamond, whose responsible sourcing, ethical approach and international design sensibility resonate strongly with young, style-conscious audiences.”
Copyright © 2025 FashionNetwork.com All rights reserved.
One hundred years ago, in 1925, TI was granted its Royal Charter by King George V, transforming it from a professional association into a globally recognised chartered body, and in Singapore from October 28-31, is seeking to strengthen its international partnerships while welcoming new Corporate Members to its expanding global network.
The Textile Institute (TI) is celebrating its centenary with a global expansion drive at ITMA Asia + CITME 2025 in Singapore from October 28–31.
Exhibiting with BTMA, TI aims to boost corporate membership and international partnerships.
With sections in over 60 countries, TI continues advancing professional training, research and collaboration across sectors like technical textiles and mobility.
Shared growth
At Stand B105 in Hall 8, TI will exhibit as a reciprocal member of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA), showcasing the power of collaboration and shared growth. The long-standing partnership between the two organisations has been further strengthened by the appointment of BTMA CEO Jason Kent as TI’s new Commercial Vice President, bringing fresh industry insight and influence to the role.
“Our joint presence in Singapore underlines how enduring partnerships strengthen the entire industry,” Kent says. “Corporate Membership of The Textile Institute gives organisations access to an international network of professionals, cutting-edge research and strategic benefits valued at over £10,000 a year.”
Advantages
Membership unlocks a host of advantages, including global promotion and visibility, invitations to high-level networking events and training, collaboration on industry-led research, professional recognition through chartered qualifications and access to TI’s publications, data and R&D resources.
“As the only global professional body in this sector with a Royal Charter, we are driving the industry forward through high-quality events and training courses that equip professionals for the future,” says TI CEO Stephanie Dick. “Together with our Corporate Members, we’re tackling skills gaps, developing practical training solutions and reaching international audiences.”
New industries
“This is an exciting time for the industry, especially with the major opportunities being opened up in new technical textiles for rising industries such as energy and data storage, future mobility and advanced infrastructure,” adds TI President Charles Wood. “Whether you’re a multinational manufacturer or a fast-growing SME, TI offers a neutral, not-for-profit platform where your voice is heard and your ambitions are supported. As we expand our influence across Asia and beyond, we’re inviting new Corporate Members to join us, benefit from our resources and help shape the Institute with their expertise.”
The Textile Institute is ideally positioned to help organisations stay competitive, connected and compliant. From its first foundation in Manchester in 1910, its approach has always been to be “not of Manchester, but international”, and with sections and special interest groups active across the globe, it now serves members in over 60 countries, empowering professionals across every link in the textile supply chain.
“We are looking forward to exploring new possibilities with as many forward-looking companies as possible at this year’s ITMA Asia + CITME,” concludes Jason Kent.
Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)
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