The UKFT Rise community had the opportunity to reunite and network with like-minded UK fashion and textile entrepreneurs at our most recent networking event at The Fashion Hub on Monday 4 September 2023. Scroll down to discover the highlights of the evening.

UKFT Rise is the UK Fashion & Textile Association’s (UKFT) free-to-join community of early-stage (under three years trading), fashion and textile businesses looking to build a network of supportive and like-minded entrepreneurs. Several times per year, the UKFT Rise community gets the opportunity to reunite at networking events hosted at our partner Hyatt Place London City East‘s Fashion Hub in the beautiful rooftop Pocketsquare bar.

Diana Kakkar, founder and CEO of MAES London, a luxury garment manufacturer specialising in designer womenswear, joined us at the event as a UKFT Rise Ambassador. Throughout her career, Diana gained extensive experience across the fashion and textile industry. After working at Erdem as a garment tech and product developer, Diana set up her own premium garment manufacturing unit, MAES London, in 2018.

Diana shared tips and insights at our networking event, to guide the UKFT Rise community through the unique challenges facing fashion and textile start-ups.

We would like to thank all that attended the event!

For those who could not make it, our next events are:

• Seminar by Fox Williams: Good times and bad – What fashion businesses need to know in today’s market, on 21 September. Click here to register.
• On the Rise webinar: Finance essentials for entrepreneurs, on 26 October (UKFT Rise subscriber can email info@ukft.org to register). Find out more.

Special rates at our partner Hyatt Place London City East for UKFT Rise Subscribers:

• UKFT Rise VIP Subscription Rate for the PocketSquare Bar: for 20% off drinks in the bar and 20% off at the Sicilian restaurant.
• Orangery Room Daytime Networking Discount*: access a networking space in the hotel for £100 per day.
• Complimentary Showroom Space*: use large rooms within the hotel to showcase your collections.
• Special Room Rate*: book a room at the hotel for £175 NLRA inc. VAT and breakfast.

UKFT Rise subscribers can contact rachel.cannings@ukft.org to access these special rates.

Pictures by Jason Mitchell Photo.

UKFT Rise is a free-to-join community of early-stage (under three years trading), fashion and textile businesses looking to build a network of supportive like-minded people. We also welcome anyone who is thinking of starting a fashion/textile company in the near future.

Want to join the community?

Click on the link below for more information:

UKFT Rise