West Midlands textile firms are set for a bright future, it was claimed today. A major event is being held to map the way ahead. Organised by Business Voice WM in conjunction with development agency Advantage West Midlands, it takes place on November 30 in central Birmingham.

BVWM executive director James Watkins said the aim of the free get-together was to produce an action plan to take the sector forward.

He said: "It will be looking at things like how the business support on offer can be improved, accessing new markets and how best to train those actually making the clothes.

"We should also aspire to encouraging major designers and designer labels to be based in the region.

"If we could do that then the sky is the limit. But I am confident that whatever happens textiles and clothing have an important part to play in the development of the West Midlands."

The event is open to all clothing and textile operators.

James Watkins added: "The sector is largely composed of SME and micro businesses.

"But it is important to the region and we want to see it thrive.

"Many firms have battled through the recession and are in good shape. This is a chance for them to have their say so that all parties can go forward with an agreed vision."

A recent BVWM study found that the sector was holding its own and, with backing, could be capable of significant growth.

The study, jointly prepared with the West Midlands Minority Ethnic Business Forum, estimated regional textile businesses had an annual turnover of more than £500 million.

The number of employees is put at around 20,000.

There is a conservative estimate that the clothing manufacturing sector contains 700 firms and 10,000 employees. If, however, home workers are included then the number increases to 20,000 or maybe even 30,000 people. 

Many are from deprived communities.

According to the Midlands Fashion Showcase (MFS), which is supported by AWM, 75 per cent of the businesses are owned by members of the Asian community.

"Therefore, it is important in terms of the number of employees and keeping deprived areas from slipping further into economic decline," said Mr Watkins. "It is also important for community cohesion."

The sector takes in work wear and corporate wear; promotional wear; country wear and outerwear to include tweed related and highly technical garments; leather clothing and accessories; technical textiles; interiors as a component supplier; fashion garments supplying High Street retailers; and own brand fashion labels in the high value end of the market.

Most textile businesses are concentrated around Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Coventry. There are also a number in Staffordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire.

There is said to have been resurgence in demand for UK production as buyers look to work with lean manufacturing units and seek smaller volumes and frequent drops.