Yorkshire fashion exports worth £789m as foreign markets snap up brands

YORKSHIRE EXPORTS of fashion goods were worth £789m in 2016, the Department for International Trade has revealed as London Fashion Week gets underway.

Across the UK, figures show exports of footwear, clothing and textiles were a record £10.7bn in 2016, up eight per cent from 2015.

US, Hong Kong and Australia account for the top three buyers of British brands including Burberry, Mulberry and Temperley London, outside of the EU, snapping up more than £1bn worth of exports in 2016.

Baia Bags, based in Scissett, West Yorkshire, is among the businesses showcasing their products at London Fashion Week this year.

Susy Brown began the company from her bedroom in Leyburn, North Yorkshire five years ago after studying fashion at Manchester Metropolitan University. Every item is designed and made in her studio and workshop using only British sourced materials.

Baia Bags was picked up by Fortnum and Mason and has exhibited at London Fashion Week four times. Ms Brown, who already exports to the US, is exploring other international markets including Italy.

DIT helped to secure her a place at London Fashion Week this year and show in Paris next season.

International Trade Minister Mark Garnier said: “From street style to haute couture, it’s no surprise that our prestigious fashion industry is in vogue with nearly £800m worth of goods from Yorkshire and the Humber heading overseas last year. Our best brands will display their talent this London Fashion Week and as an international economic department, we are committed to supporting them make the most of their exporting potential.”

Ms Brown added: “Since 2015 I’ve gone from selling online in the UK, to all over the world including places like USA and Asia.

As the brand has grown substantially both at home and abroad, we would urge other small businesses to think about exporting.”