PCIAW® announce Chair of Association

The Professional Clothing Group is delighted to announce the imminent launch of the first UK and Worldwide association dedicated exclusively to the professional clothing industry and supply chain.
June 2018 will mark the launch of the first sector specific trade body devoted to the multi-faceted industry.
As a membership organisation, The Professional Clothing Industry Association Worldwide (PCIAW®) brings together professionals from across the diverse sectors and from around the globe to establish a cohesive voice for the rapidly-growing industry. Dedicated exclusively to the trade, it will push the agenda of the many sectors within it and strengthen our influence in discussions and key decisions.
The association is a defining development within the professional clothing industry and the recent appointment of a Chairman is notable and establishes the association upon firm foundations. Renowned industry leader and former CEO of the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT), John Miln brings a wealth of experience as well as expertise in the UK and international textiles and apparel business.
John, who was instrumental in the growth and success of UKFT, says “An association dedicated to the professional clothing industry has been long awaited; there has already been a very significant amount of interest from key organisations in the UK and internationally who are highly supportive of the creation and development of the PCIAW®
“As an organisation run by members for its members, I believe it will very quickly become a fundamentally important part of the overall apparel and textile industry which resides across the UK and internationally; as is my ambition for the PCIAW®. With the support of our members, my focus is on quickly establishing the association as a key voice for the industry, representing their views and tackling the issues most important to the sustainability and development of their businesses and the professionals within it.
“The creation of a network and platform for members will also provide help, guidance and support in achieving their objectives through peer to peer relationships and opportunities developed by the PCIAW®, all of which will serve to highlight the depth and importance of the industry to the UK economy. As a multi-sector industry, I believe we will benefit from the unification which will be brought about by the association.”
The driving force behind the association is Yvette Ashby, leading professional within the industry and MD of The Professional Clothing director-e, show and awards. Yvette will act as Chief Executive Officer. With over 25 years spent in the professional clothing trade, she has seen many changes and has often been the first to share developments with peers. She says “I have watched the industry evolve into the thriving trade we see today, and I have witnessed the development of the diverse sectors within it. I am proud to have been involved with some of the innovative advances made and continue to be inspired by those I am proud to call my peers. It is vital to our sustainability that responsible growth and progress remain at our core and to do that we need a body to represent the industry and support the professionals within it. The PCIAW®  will do that, and more.”
The not-for-profit association will be a comprehensive knowledge hub, sharing best practice and industry-specific information, updates and data. It will support the professional development of those within it and nurture tomorrow’s leaders through a range of events and webinars.
As an international association, the PCIAW® will bring together a worldwide network of manufacturers, distributors, buyers and suppliers dedicated to the industry, providing a highly-relevant community of contacts for its members. By facilitating collaboration and encouraging peer-to-peer support, it will cement international relations and provide a springboard for future innovation.
John Miln and Yvette Ashby will be joined on the non-executive board by peers from within the industry who have been invited to help shape its future. Further announcements will be made at The Professional Clothing Awards in June.
More information about the association and how you and your business can benefit will be shared over the coming months. If you have any questions in the meantime or would like to be one of the first to know more about membership, please call +44(0)1908 411415 or email info@pciaw.org.