Government Relations

The BFC champions UK designers and the wider fashion sector in government and internationally.

The BFC are in regular communication with UK government departments who are able to drive change and positive impact in our sector. Among the departments we most frequently interact with are:

• The Department for Culture, Media and Sport – sets strategy and policy for the Creative Industries
• The Department of Business and Trade – sets strategy and policy to support UK Businesses export to global markets and Foreign Direct Investment into UK business from overseas
• The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office – through a network of embassies and consulates promotes the UK’s impact overseas.
• The Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs – sets strategy and policy in a number of key areas for the sector’s sustainability agendas.

The BFC also represents the UK fashion sector internationally by participating in forums such as:

• The European Fashion Alliance
• The United Nations Convention on Climate Change (COP)
• OECD Forums

The BFC sits on a number of forums to represent the fashion industry, including:

• Creative Industries Council
  Chaired by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport, and n Sir Peter Bazalgette and updates to CIC website
• Creative UK
  Founding member of body that represents, champions and supports the UK’s creative industries
• Cross DIT/DCMS/BEIS groups
• Department of Business and Trade Creative Industries Trade Advisory Group
• The Creative Industries Trade and Investment Board
• GREAT Private Sector Council
• Government Working Groups on geo-political issues as and when
  appropriate

The BFC is working across a number of policy areas to secure government support for the future of the fashion industry and how we are tackling climate change and our work with the Institute for Positive Fashion.

If you would like to get regular updates and be a part of industry briefings please get in touch government@britishfashioncouncil.com.