About this Event
Industry Advancement Day
Driving innovation, collaboration and practical solutions across UK textile manufacturing
A focused, collaborative day bringing together textile industry professionals to identify challenges, share expertise and shape the next steps for advancing UK product development, process efficiency and innovation.
Why we are holding Industry Advancement Days
Members have consistently shared challenges they face in areas such as innovation, production and collaboration. While some issues are common across the sector, others are specific to individual businesses or sub-industries. To address these effectively, we are launching Industry Advancement Days, a series of interactive sessions designed to unite manufacturers, designers, technical experts and innovators around shared problems and opportunities.
These events aim to help the industry collectively identify root causes, explore potential solutions and highlight where UKFT can provide targeted support or develop practical mechanisms for improvement. Each session will also feature opportunities for learning, from new technologies and methods for advances in process efficiency, innovation, and product development to help attendees maximise the return on their time and participation.
The first Industry Advancement Day
Our first session will set the foundation for the series. It will be located at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), with an opening presentation, tour of the facilities, and discussions and opportunities around digitalisation in textiles,followedby a presentation from Alex Begg on the opportunities of new product development. It will:
- Introduce the objectives and role of the Industry Advancement Days initiative
- Explore the current landscape ofdigitalisation/innovationand collaboration across UK textile manufacturing
- Examine how businesses can accelerate commercialisation and overcome product development bottlenecks
- Encourage open dialogue and knowledge-sharing between participants
- Work towards a shared framework to better align technical design and new product development
- Conclude with next steps, calls to action and an open roundtable on what participants want to see moving forward
The day will also consider themes such as onshoring, collaboration frameworks and practical measures to strengthen the UK’s product development ecosystem.
Who can attend: Textile Companies. Relevant job titles: design, product development, manufacturing, production, operations, innovation, technical, continuous improvement or R&D departments
Timings:
09.30 - 10.00 Arrival
10.00 - 10.15 Introduction from UKFT
10.15 - 12.30 Presentation, tour, and digitalisation discussions from AMRC (Jody Turner, Technical Fellow)
12.15 - 13.00 Lunch
13.00 - 14.45 NPD / Innovation talk from Alex Begg (Emily White, Chief Innovation Officer and Jonny MacKinnon, New Product Development Manager)
14.45 – 15.00 Afternoon break
15.00 – 15.30- AOB
15.30- 15.45 Closing from UKFT
Jonny Bio
As NPD Manager at Alex Begg Group Ltd, Jonny brings a unique blend of scientific rigor and creative expertise to the development of luxury woven textiles. With a background in microbiology and a Master’s degree in Fashion and Textile Design, he approaches product innovation with both analytical precision and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship. His role centres on leading cross-functional collaboration—from design and technical weaving through to planning, finishing, and commercial—to deliver products that meet the highest standards of quality, performance, and aesthetic excellence.
Jonny specialises in improving manufacturing reliability, streamlining design-to-production pathways, and building structured yet adaptable NPD processes that support efficiency across the business. Known for attention to detail, active listening, and solution-focused thinking, He works closely with internal teams to translate creative concepts into commercially successful and technically robust products. His goal is to elevate Alex Begg’s product development capability while supporting long-term innovation and growth.
Emily Bio
Emily White is Chief Innovation Officer at Alex Begg Group, leading the strategic vision that drives the company’s future of textile excellence. With a background spanning design, sales, and innovation, she brings a forward-thinking approach to evolving the brand’s heritage craft into modern, commercially relevant products. Emily oversees the full innovation pipeline for wovens and knit—identifying emerging opportunities, shaping long-term product strategy, and guiding teams in the development of new techniques and manufacturing capabilities.
She is known for blending creative insight with data-driven decision-making, ensuring that innovation is purposeful, sustainable, and aligned with the company’s global partnerships. Emily works closely with designers, technical experts, and commercial teams to embed agility, experimentation, and continuous improvement across the business. Passionate about pushing boundaries while protecting the integrity of craft, she plays a key role in positioning Alex Begg as a leader in luxury textile innovation and future-focused manufacturing.
Alex Begg Company Bio
Alex Begg & Co is a world-renowned luxury textile manufacturer based in Scotland, celebrated for its exquisite woven scarves, throws, and accessories. Founded in 1866, the company combines time-honoured craftsmanship with modern innovation, producing meticulously engineered textiles for leading global fashion houses and discerning customers worldwide. Every piece is crafted with unrivalled attention to detail, using the finest cashmere, merino, silk, and natural fibres sourced with a commitment to quality and sustainability.
At the heart of Alex Begg is a unique fusion of artistry and technical excellence. Highly skilled weavers, designers, and textile specialists collaborate to push the boundaries of contemporary weaving and finishing techniques. With a legacy built on heritage, precision, and creativity, the company continues to evolve while honouring its Scottish roots. Alex Begg & Co stands as a benchmark of luxury textile manufacturing, known for exceptional quality, innovation, and enduring craftsmanship.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, Factory of the Future, Catcliffe, Rotherham, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00
