Q - How do you feel about supermarkets offering cheap school uniform?

A - We are less affected by this than other specialist retailers as supermarkets lose interest in school uniform the moment the children go back to school in September. Our members live and breathe uniform 365 days a year.

Q - What are the challenges facing schoolwear suppliers?

A - Matching the school's perception of what a price should be with the actual price can be a challenge. A good example would be a bespoke pleated skirt wanted by the school for £10 for a UK specially made garment. Supermarkets have set their minds at unrealistic pricing levels.

Q - What is filtering down from central government in terms of schoolwear policy?

A - For the most part, we have been delighted with the response from central government to our campaigns such as the one to reduce VAT on upper body badged school uniform items for older or bigger children. We have a firm commitment from the DCSF to include us in any of their deliberations to do with school uniform. We are, however, sometimes disappointed when more inexperienced junior ministers make ill-informed statements about uniforms - fortunately these are becoming less freQ -uent.

Q - How have manufacturers responded to safety legislation, and is there anything new on that front?

A - There are still too many suppliers who are not members of the NCWA, which runs regular seminars on mechanical safety. There has been a recent update of the guidelines, which are very important.

Earlier in the summer we identified a trend for schools increasingly switching to clip-on ties - partly for safety reasons.

Q - Does the increasing size of children present any difficulties?

A - The range of sizes that most suppliers offer gives our market a great advantage over supermarkets and multiples. If anything we're also seeing an increase in demand for very small sizes.

Q - Is the recession putting the sQ -ueeze on schoolwear suppliers?

A - Very few people seem to be immune to the effects of the recession. There is concern that 2010 will be even more difficult to arrange the kind of flexibility to cover the tremendous peak of Back to School.

Q - Is there room for growth in the schoolwear sector?

A - It's regional, but growth is there if you are doing a good job. However most comes at the expense of other, less effective competitors. Flexibility and an eye for opportunities are essential.

Q - Is schoolwear a necessity?

A - School uniform is of paramount importance to the smooth running of the education system although it is just one part of the overall strategy of the school. Specific items give the school its own identity and can make a very positive contribution to the focus of pupils on learning, rather than gangs and fashion trends.

Q - Have you noticed any trends?

A - More schools are upgrading their sportswear and performance fabrics and modern designs are without doubt on the agenda.

Q - How does the take-up of school uniform compare between state and independent schools?

A - Higher stockholding for Independents is one factor. They spend more on their uniform, but it often lasts longer, hence they also have "secondhand shops", taking advantage of the excellent Q -uality. Margins on state schools are very tight, with Acadamies rather unrealistic. Changes in uniform can be difficult to manage.

Q - Why does the Schoolwear Association exist?

A - The SA supports businesses which sell school specific uniform. We lobby Government, meet with people like the DCSF, the NCPTA, NAHT, NGA and others, to ensure there is a balance to their thinking so that they take into account our members' views and issues. We aim to redress the balance when ill-informed attacks are made on the school uniform.

Q - What are the current campaigns?

A - We are working with the NGA, NCPTA, NAHT and ASCL, with a view to agreeing a common approach to the DCSF with regard to Uniform Guidelines and an updated NGA Code of Practice. We are informing and involving members of our progress.

Q - Should schoolwear buyers have more choice?

A - There is plenty of choice, but the market needs stability of supply. It's been a difficult year to predict what is going to happen, but we should have a better idea for 2010.

Q - Do you have any current research?

A - We carried out a members' survey in May and published information in the media and on our website. This will be an annual piece of research and can even be used to help people like the DCSF in finding out about issues from a completely different angle. They were pleased we had developed the facility.

Q - What do parents think about school uniform?

A - In a recent survey by the Government, it was reported that over 80% of parents were satisfied with the arrangements and cost of school uniform.

Q - What is the schoolwear market worth?

A - The most recent Mintel Report says that in 2004 it was worth around £1.8bn. The vast majority is done by the supermarkets and multiples, but there is still a healthy business for independents, direct supply and even internet suppliers. We just have to be better every year!

David Burgess is Chairman of The Schoolwear Association, the trade body for the school-specific uniform sector, which represents the interests of everyone from retailers, suppliers, direct-to-school and wholesalers to fabric manufacturers and garment decorators.

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