The Business of Fashion, Textiles and Technology (BFTT) is a five-year industry-led project, which focusses on delivering sustainable innovation within the entire fashion and textile supply chain.

We aim to foster a new, creative business culture in which fashion, textiles and technology businesses – from small and medium enterprises to multinational companies – can use R&D as a mechanism for growth. We position industry as agents of sustainable technology and materials development.

There are seven challenges dedicated to developing an evidence base; supporting SMEs in engaging in high-value collaborative R&D, sustainable design and business practice; reimagining retail and consumer experiences; tackling the industry reliance on synthetic materials; developing new sustainable materials; and building critical mass in new modes of making and manufacturing for fashion and textiles.

We will also engage with businesses and the Government to develop a pipeline of talent to staff the fashion, textile and technology businesses of the future, tapping into the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) agenda which aims to provide young people with the creative skills needed to support the sector,

We are one of nine Creative Research & Development Clusters funded under the multi-million pound Creative Industries Cluster Programme.