Research and Analysis Case Studies

Fashion Sector Research & Economic Impact Study – West of England

Supporting the development of a sustainable fashion and creative industries ecosystem

Buckman Associates Ltd was commissioned by the West of England Combined Authority and Future Fashion Works to undertake a comprehensive research study into the size, nature and growth potential of the fashion industry across the West of England. The project was designed to provide an evidence base to support future sector development activity led by Bath Spa University and regional partners.

The study explored the economic contribution of the fashion sector, analysed employment and skills patterns, examined emerging industry trends and identified opportunities linked to sustainability, digital innovation and inclusive growth.

What was required

The West of England has a strong creative economy, but relatively little detailed evidence existed on the structure and economic contribution of the region’s fashion sector.

Partners required a robust evidence base to:

• understand the scale and distribution of fashion businesses
• identify employment, turnover and economic impact
• explore emerging trends affecting the industry
• assess skills provision and workforce characteristics
• identify opportunities linked to sustainability and innovation
• support the development of future interventions and sector support programmes

The research also needed to consider how the fashion industry intersected with wider regional strengths in digital technologies, creative industries, advanced materials and health innovation.

Our role

Buckman Associates designed and delivered a mixed-method research and economic analysis project combining desk-based research, sector mapping and qualitative industry engagement.

Our work included:

• defining and mapping the regional fashion ecosystem using SIC code analysis
• economic impact modelling using ONS, IDBR and Business Register & Employment Survey data
• analysis of business demographics, employment and GVA
• labour market and skills analysis using Lightcast and HESA data
• review of national and international industry trends
• qualitative research into regional fashion culture, sustainability and innovation
• development of recommendations to inform future sector development activity

The project also examined the impact of major global industry trends including fast fashion, circular economy models, supply chain resilience, sustainability pressures and the growing role of digital technologies such as AI, smart textiles and immersive retail experiences.

Key findings

The study found that the fashion industry already makes a significant contribution to the West of England economy, supporting:

• approximately 1,145 fashion businesses
• around 10,890 direct jobs
• over £560m in turnover
• approximately £215m GVA directly
• an estimated £334m GVA when indirect and induced impacts are included
  The research highlighted that:
• 91% of fashion businesses were micro businesses
• the sector had a particularly strong concentration of independent designers and creative enterprises
• sustainability and circular fashion approaches were becoming defining characteristics of many regional brands
• the sector had strong overlaps with digital, creative and health innovation sectors
• fashion employment supported higher levels of female and younger workers than many other priority sectors, highlighting its contribution to inclusive growth

The project also identified opportunities linked to:

• sustainable and circular fashion
• digital fashion technologies
• smart textiles and wearable technologies
• creative production and maker spaces
• strengthening progression pathways for graduates and creative talent

Outcome

The study has played an important role in shaping the development of Future Fashion Works as a regional initiative connecting education, industry, sustainability and innovation. It has providhttps://buckmanassociates.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Faed a robust evidence base to support strategic planning, partnership development and investment discussions, while helping to identify clear opportunities for talent retention, sustainable enterprise growth and inclusive creative sector development across the West of England. The findings have also informed the development of Somer, the university’s new retail and community space in Bath, which is creating practical pathways between students, graduates, local makers and the wider public through sustainable fashion, enterprise and cultural engagement.

Research and Analysis Case Studies