The Funds from the U.K. Government Will Support the BFC’s Newgen Program for Emerging Designers
The British Fashion Council has received an additional 1 million pounds from the U.K. Government’s Department for Culture, Media, and Sport to support designers in a difficult trading environment. This funding is part of the BFC Newgen program, and will be used to secure show venues, cover presentation costs, and provide business mentoring for emerging designers.
Caroline Rush, CEO of the BFC, expressed her confidence in the resilience and capability of the British fashion community to overcome both domestic and global industry challenges. She highlighted the critical need for increased financial access to help designers and brands grow, and called for the reinstatement of tax-free shopping to instill confidence in the industry. The U.K. had discontinued tax-free shopping post-Brexit, citing fiscal needs, despite ongoing pleas from the industry to reverse the decision.
The funding announcement was made alongside the release of the final schedule for London Fashion Week (LFW) for fall 2025, which will take place from February 20-24. This year’s event is a day shorter than usual and will feature new participants like Ashish, Maison Sara Chraïbi, and Maison Artc. The event will commence with a show by Harris Reed, followed by presentations from both new and established designers.
Rush acknowledged the numerous challenges facing designers, such as the impact of Brexit on business costs, difficulties in finance, and restrictive payment terms. She emphasized the need for designers to be adaptable in their strategic decisions regarding budget allocations and presentation formats. The BFC is promoting less costly digital showcases and physical presentations as alternatives during financially restrictive times.
To further support young talent, the BFC will introduce a special showcase on the last day of LFW at 180 Strand, aimed at helping designers connect with international media and buyers. The BFC is also actively facilitating partnerships and securing venues for designers, with continued support from partners like 1664 Blanc, which has aided designers like Aaron Esh, Charles Jeffrey, and Tolu Coker.
Additionally, the BFC is enhancing its international guest program through funding from the Department for Business and Trade and Britain’s GREAT Campaign, aiming to attract high-spending international guests to LFW.
Rush also mentioned that the BFC would continue to host a showroom for emerging brands during Paris Fashion Week, underscoring the BFC’s role in evolving to meet the changing needs of designers over her 15-year tenure as CEO. She reiterated the importance of LFW as a platform for increasing brand awareness and securing sales.
Laura Weir, currently the executive creative director at Selfridges, is set to succeed Rush as CEO of the BFC on April 28, following Rush’s announcement of her departure last December.