The event had an international feel with exhibitors from Korea, Tunisia and Australia. The message from many of those at the event in April was that despite the recession and spiralling costs of production, the future for the workwear industry is strong.

This was underlined with some of the creations on display at the Workwear Fashion show which featured clothing made from recycled plastic bottles.

Fashion designer Jeff Banks, who started Incorporatewear 15-years-ago, said firms should not complain about competition in terms of cheaper products from China, but think about business as operating in a global market.

He said: “The state of the industry is good. A few people have fallen by the wayside but that is obviously going to happen during a recession, it’s part of being in business. I have been through two recessions and it does get rid of the dead wood and it makes you look at your own business harder. It also makes you look after your customers.

“We are a global business in a global industry. There is a lot of nonsense about China having an unfair advantage because of cheaper materials but you have to get out there and compete. We operate and compete on a world stage so you have to get off your backside and get out there.

 “For our industry this event is the equivalent of something like the Motor Show, this is the industry show and we have to be where our business is.”

More than 50 exhibitors showcased products ranging from uniforms for airlines from Staffwear, to industrial footwear from Magnum, and the latest in PPE innovation.

The event was the first UK trade show for Pacific Brands, who used it to launch their workwear brand in Britain.

At a networking dinner during the show, event organiser Yvette Ashby said: “The Workwear and Corporate Clothing Show helps to remind us how vibrant our industry still is. However we can’t ignore the wider picture. We all know that there have been some fundamental changes within the industry in the past two to three years.

“But we can’t just blame the recession and other global factors. We know that there were problems in the industry before these came along. I am talking about the driving down of prices to untenable levels. Bidding wars and E-procurement play a large part and is very much a live issue for us, as we move forward and tackle the challenge of e-procurement which is a real threat to our business models.

“The recession has meant that the consequences of this behaviour have really come home to roost – as companies accept lower and lower prices to secure the business even if it means the contract becomes unsustainable.

“Now, with the prices of raw materials rocketing, this can no longer go on.”

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