| Harris Tweed Liaison Group | 28 October 2008 |
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A meeting of the Harris Tweed Industry Liaison Group was held today (28th October), as representatives from the public and private sector gathered together to discuss industry-wide issues. Issues on the agenda included skills and training, marketing and promotion and the proposal for a Harris Tweed Investment Fund. Comhairle Vice-Convener, and Chair of the Liaison Group, Angus Campbell, said, “The group is making positive steps forward on collaborating on areas such as skills and marketing. This is a difficult time for the industry but we need to recognise that there is a lot of positive, proactive work being undertaken by the mills and the Harris Tweed Authority, and I think we can remain confident about the future of Harris Tweed.” Of the proposal for an Investment Fund, he said, “The concept was discussed within the group. There is a good level of support for the principle, but obviously some concerns were raised, and there are operational and financial issues which need to be ironed out. A sub-group will be meeting next week to discuss some of these issues in more detail and to refine the proposal. The attractiveness of the proposal remains for me in that it would give some work to the weavers over the quieter period, which is crucial if the workforce is to be retained. However that requires investment and I believe there is a real opportunity for HIE to back this traditional industry and help to provide a sustainable future for the weavers”. The Harris Tweed industry received positive national press coverage over the weekend on the back of its participation in Tokyo Design Week, where the industry is being represented at the ‘From Scotland with Love’ event. Harris Tweed companies have collaborated with high profile Scottish designers on innovative clothing and interior designs which will be showcased at the event; in what is a major opportunity for Harris Tweed within the Japanese market. Nigel Scott Tel: 01851 709389 (Work) |
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