Since then we have made contact with industry representatives to gauge the issues affecting the different elements of the fashion industry and to ascertain what the sector wants from Government.
James Purnell, the then Minister for Creative Industries and Tourism hosted three pre-meetings with representatives from the bespoke, brands and couture sector and this informed the agenda for a Fashion Summit.
The Secretary of State and James Purnell hosted a Fashion Summit on 27 April 2006 to ascertain how DCMS could add value to the designer fashion sector. Successful businessmen and women from the full range of the fashion industry - designers, retailers and manufacturing - and the fashion press attended this event.
One of the key issues raised at the summit included London Fashion Week and how this event could be regenerated.
We will continue to work with other Government departments and industry on this issue. A number of other issues were raised including a structure for mentoring students and future partnerships between industry and colleges; access to new technology and; clusters of accommodation with affordable rent for young designers starting up in business.
