Drapers is spearheading a campaign to address key issues facing the fashion retail sector ahead of the 2024 general election.
- Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announces the general election date as 4 July, prompting sector-wide discussions.
- Fashion industry concerns include post-Brexit trade, business rates, and support for UK manufacturing.
- Drapers urges contributions from all industry segments to shape a manifesto for the incoming government.
- Property experts give insights into Labour’s high street strategy amidst ongoing political developments.
As the United Kingdom gears up for the general election on 4 July, Drapers is taking a proactive stance in advocating for the fashion retail industry. Acknowledging its pivotal role as the sector’s voice for over 137 years, Drapers is committed to scrutinising the potential policies of the upcoming government to ensure the sector’s continued survival and growth.
The announcement by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has sparked vital conversations within the industry, highlighting pivotal issues such as business rates reform, post-Brexit trade complications, and employment challenges. Additionally, critical areas like shoplifting, support for UK manufacturing, sustainability regulations, and the broader ‘levelling-up’ agenda are receiving much-needed attention.
Drapers is rallying a collective response from various industry sectors, ranging from suppliers and manufacturers to designers and luxury brands, and including both high street and independent retailers. The objective is to gather diverse insights and formulate a comprehensive manifesto that reflects the industry’s pressing needs.
In this endeavour, Drapers intends to convey the industry’s perspectives to political parties aiming to secure electoral support. By inviting contributions from all sectors, Drapers ensures that the manifesto is representative and inclusive of the industry’s varied challenges and aspirations.
As part of this initiative, property experts have already been consulted on Labour’s high street strategy, offering invaluable insights into the party’s approach amidst the evolving political landscape.
The collective effort spearheaded by Drapers seeks to ensure fashion retail’s voice is heard and its needs are addressed in the formulation of future government policies.
