The UK footwear, textiles and clothing sector is one of five that have been allocated their own Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) by the government.

Known as Trailblazer SSCs, the councils are aimed at setting the standard for other SSCs that will replace existing National Training Organisations (NTOs) later in the year. The SSC for textiles, clothing and footwear is formed of three former NTOs; CAPITB Trust - the clothing and allied products industry NTO; NTTO - the National Textile Training Organisation and; FLNTO - the Footwear and Leather National Training Organisation.

The scheme was launched at a high profile media briefing in Sheffield yesterday, with the region’s textile, clothing and footwear employers being represented by Edward Stanners of Berwin and Berwin. As well as exporting to the United States, France and Spain, Mr Stanner’s company supplies customers such as Next, Moss Bros. John Lewis and House of Fraser,

Mr. Stanners said: "Award of trailblazer status is a tremendous coup for our industry. In part it is recognition of the £16 billion the sectors contribute to the UK economy. Over 200,000 people are employed in textiles, clothing and footwear. It also underlines the importance that the government places upon skills training and labour market information for our sectors."