Online website has launched has an initiative to strengthen the Leicestershire textiles industry by Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW), the European Social Fund (ESF), and Pera Training. Called the Leicestershire Textiles Hub, it aims to support local textile manufacturers, promote the sector to new entrants and highlight manufacturers to retailers and designers.

The website will also provide useful, practical support and information to help businesses, such as financial guidance and information on the latest manufacturing technologies.

Melton-based Pera Technology has joined forces with employers and education providers for the site which has been funded by the European Social Fund.

Pera Training chief executive Richard Grice said that the Leicestershire Textiles Hub will serve as an invaluable information resource to local businesses and individuals working in the textile industry.

Its aim is to reinvigorate the textiles industry and encourage more people to join while helping businesses to grow and take advantage of new ideas, skills and technology. Leicestershire has a proud history in the textiles industry.

The sector is still substantial locally, with over 400 companies responsible for 20 percent of the UK's clothing manufacturing and an annual turnover of around £560 million. Over the last few years, the sector has witnessed a shift in attitudes from consumers and retailers towards a preference for British-made goods.

The key trends have led to a higher awareness of business ethics including a retreat from cheap, poorly made, imported clothes, often manufactured in ethically questionable conditions. As a result, the industry has observed a trend of reshoring.

This is a return to Britain to manufacture textiles by major retailers while maintaining their competitiveness and quality. Whether you’re a manufacturer, retailer, designer or someone looking to forge a career in textile, Leicestershire textile hub is there to help make the most of the available opportunities.

The Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW) programme has been developed to help improve the skills of employees in small or medium-sized businesses. Fully funded by the European Social Fund (ESF), this is an opportunity for individuals to update their skills and knowledge and for employers to plug their skills gap at no extra cost.

ESF aims to improve employment opportunities in the EU, raise standards of living, and help people acquire the skills needed by business in a competitive global economy.

Pera Training is one of the UK’s largest providers of government-funded and commercially tailored training programmes, helping to fuel business capability and economic growth.