Following a unanimous vote by STLA members and lengthy discussions between the two organisations, UKFT will take over the management of Textiles Scotland (STLA) from January 1, 2019. This will provide new opportunities to the Scottish companies by being part of a wider network while retaining the Scottish focus.

The Textiles Scotland branding will be continued, as will the Scottish focus of the activities, support and government lobbying. Existing Textiles Scotland members will be transferred to a new company called UKFT Scotland. UKFT Scotland will join the main UKFT board and UKFT CEO Adam Mansell will join the Scottish Industry Leadership Group.

UKFT will work with the industry to develop a new membership offer that will help Textiles Scotland become a self-sustaining organisation, including using its expertise to develop an export strategy and a skills strategy for Scottish members.