Fashion Exchange

An event harnessing the knowledge and experience of London's mightiest fashion brands has been announced.

The Fashion Exchange will connect buyers from top firms like Topshop, Warehouse, John Lewis, Jaeger and House of Fraser with a new generation of fashionistas looking to be the next big thing.

The event, to be held in central London on June 4, is the second in a series of events aimed at joining up big businesses with small. It is a collaboration between small business network Enterprise Nation and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).

Enterprise Nation founder Emma Jones said: “There is no shortage of British fashion talent, but many designers fail to reach their potential because they don’t have the right connections.

“Interestingly, success in the British fashion industry largely relies on knowing the right people and being in the right place at the right time.

“The Fashion Exchange is an opportunity to make the kind of contacts young brands need to take them to the next level – as well as hearing inspirational success stories and picking up the tools and skills needed to kick-start and run a successful retail business.”

The day-long event will hear from inspiring fashion entrepreneur Michael Bennett, the man behind UK high street brands like Oasis and Warehouse and joint chairman of Kookai UK and Long Tall Sally.

Jaeger womenswear director Lisa Webb will talk about the essential stand-out ingredients young brands need to develop to get noticed and will be part of an impressive big business posse to include House of Fraser’s senior buyer for mens fashion, Kevin Rogers, John Lewis buyer Jackie Zorn and Tesco F&F brand head of digital Andy Beale, plus many more.

Disruptive fashion brands already on the way to success will share their business building experiences including Edward Williams, brand director at Candy Kittens, Angela McLean from Baggers Original, Chloe Haywood from Hatastic and Lisa and Tida Finch who have taken their jewellery brand, Finchittida Finch, from a PopUp to the shelves of Urban Outfitters.

There will also be a chance to hear from a panel of top fashion journalists on how to present a new brand and get noticed by the press.

The event is being supported by Fashion Angel, which offers workshops, mentoring and finance to fashion StartUps and UKFT Rise, chaired by fashion entrepreneur, Richard Hurtley which is a network for aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals within the fashion industry.

The day starts at 9.30am at Westminster University and will be hosted by Emma Jones, MBE.