The North West is the major centre for technical textiles activity, which involve weaving, knitting and manufacture of cord/rope/twine/netting. The number of employees has increased in nearly 50% of establishments. 8% of establishments report a decline in staff numbers. One fifth of establishments forecast increased staffing levels in the future.

Sales in the region have increased over the last year and 60% of establishments forecast increases in the future. 45% of manufacturing and wholesale establishments in the region are involved in export, which is similar to the national average.

21% of establishments arrange or fund training, compared to 18% in the UK, and 6% are linked to a formal qualification. Health and safety training is most commonly provided and there is a reliance on in-house training.

21% of establishments in the region are owned or part-owned by a member of an ethnic minority group. These establishments are mainly in wholesale and apparel manufacture.

A significant number so vacancies and skills shortage vacancies are in operative jobs, specifically sewing machinists and textile machine operators. Internal skills gaps (employees who are not fully proficient) are mostly reported in textiles manufacturing. The most common skills gaps are machine operator, customer handling and sales skills. Skills gaps are also noted for general IT skills and sales skills.

Establishments in the sector anticipate difficulties in replacing staff as they retire in the next few years. Textile and apparel manufacturing are most likely to have problems replacing staff who retire. However, there will be also be demand for skilled shoemakers/leather workers, weavers, textile cutters and machine maintenance staff.

Future challenges for the sector:

• attracting new customers
• reducing costs
• improving quality of service
• increasing overseas competition (reported by more than 50% of larger organisations)

Source: Regional report – North West 2004