Twice a year, in February and September, the UK’s fashion industry braces itself as an influx of photographers, editors and models flood the capital for London Fashion Week (LFW). Long, late nights, never-ending deadlines and a packed schedule sees the sector stand on the global stage for five full days.
Although LFW marks the time when designers share their collections with the public and the mainstream media predict future trends, it is only the tip of the industry iceberg. Behind the scenes throughout the rest of the year, there are plans to be hatched, sketches to be abandoned, new technology to be adopted and connections to be made.
The notoriously network-driven fashion industry is reliant on good relationships to operate. Advice, information and the opportunity to make the right contacts, are provided by niche networking groups. Knowledge sharing is rife and fashion-focused businesses can reap the rewards.
One of the largest and most prolific of these groups is The British Fashion Council (BFC). This not-for-profit organisaton is tasked with furthering the interests of the British fashion industry and designer businesses by sharing the collective knowledge, experience and resources of the sector. It has links to the government and high-profile sponsors, so can leverage significant influence over the future of the industry.
To nurture emerging talent, the BFC takes designers to key international markets including LA, New York, Brazil and Hong Kong, where they make new connections, discover new ways of working and get real practical experience. The council also provide MA scholarships and initiatives focused on specific areas such as fine jewellery, millinery and menswear.
The Business of Fashion is the industry’s professional index, and features those shaping the global fashion sector. They have a jobs board, run free online learning courses, host regular events, and provide a platform for insightful commentary from thought leaders.
So what can we learn from these knowledge-sharing initiatives and organisations?
Fill your calendar
Every industry has key events and moments every year. Make note of these in your diary and have the next three months’ schedule clear in your mind (or on your desk). This will give you time to prepare. Create your own calendar with free software such as Trello, which all staff can have access to.
Do your research
If you’re heading to an event, look into the speakers’ histories and prepare questions that you’d like to ask. Almost all networking events like this include a Q&A at the end, and those presenting are happy to share extra knowledge that perhaps wasn’t covered in their speech. Always introduce yourself before asking a question – you never know who else might be in the audience.
Use your initiative
There are support networks for every industry, but not all niches have been explored. If you can’t see the one that you’re looking for, think about setting it up yourself. Start small – you could approach an inspiring person in your sector and ask them to come to your business to talk about a subject, for example. Invite nearby SMEs to attend. Those who have carved out a successful career are often keen to share what they’ve learned along the way so if you see an opportunity, seize it.
Whatever your business, be it food, fashion or fleets, there are support networks and individuals out there that can provide motivation, insight, support and help you see challenges or problems in a fresh, new light.
Content on this page is paid for and provided by Kia Fleet sponsor of the Guardian Small Business Network Accessing Expertise hub.
