Author: Alex

  • “This award has given me such an exciting platform to begin my career”

    “This award has given me such an exciting platform to begin my career”

    Graduate designer Beth Lingard says she cannot wait to make further inroads into the textile design industry after winning the Premier Digital Textiles Vibrancy in Print Award.

    She described landing the prize at New Designers 2025 as “surreal and moving” and has since held collaboration discussions with several design studios.

    “Winning the Premier Digital Textiles Vibrancy in Print Award means so much to me — both personally and professionally,” said Beth.

    “Not only is it an incredible recognition of my creative journey, but it also gives me the chance to collaborate with Premier Digital Textiles, whose expertise and state-of-the-art digitally prepared fabrics will help bring my designs to life in stunning quality.”

    “Ultimately,” she added, “this award has given me such an exciting platform to begin my career.”

    Judges praised the Leeds Arts University graduate’s Dusk Till Dawn collection for its depth, vibrancy, and ability to merge traditional craftsmanship with innovative digital processes.

    The designs are a series of luxury wallcoverings and furnishing fabrics that explore the dreamlike transition from night to morning. Featuring flora, mystical creatures, and jewel-toned colourways, the collection combines intricate hand-drawn illustrations with digital painting and advanced textile printing.

    Tree of Life, Beth Lingard

    Premier Digital Textiles (PDT) is Europe’s leading supplier of quality digitally prepared fabrics that are specifically coated for direct to Textile Printing.

    The Premier Textile Group have over 4 million metres of fabric housed in 48,000sq ft. of modern storage and distribution facilities in three key locations in the Northwest of England.

    Elen Hughes of Premier Digital Textiles said: “We cannot speak highly enough of Beth’s creative ability, attention to detail and exemplary attitude.

    “As the winner Beth landed a £500 cash prize, ongoing mentoring, the opportunity to be showcased in OEM demo and experience centres worldwide along with £500 worth of our PrepRITE fabric and print time.

    “And she is now collaborating with the Premier Digital Textiles team to develop her portfolio, ensuring her imaginative designs are translated onto textiles of the highest quality.”

    Elen added: “One of our missions is to support both emerging and established designers in pushing the boundaries of digital print and we are truly excited to see how Beth’s career unfolds.”

  • New Designer Spotlight Interview – Beth Lingard

    New Designer Spotlight Interview – Beth Lingard

    1. Background and inspiration

    What first drew you to the world of textile design?

    To me, textile design is the transformation of beautiful artworks into decorative, meaningful patterns that enrich our homes, garments, and everyday life. It’s that creative potential that first drew me in.

    Who or what are your biggest creative influences?

    Like many, my influences stem from the true beauty and wonder of the natural world. I’m constantly inspired by nature, especially the way light shifts with the changing seasons and the rhythm of the day. The landscapes around me, such as the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales, serve as ongoing inspiration for much of my drawing. 

    While I enjoy documenting the reality of nature, I also take great joy in capturing a plethora of imaginative flora and fauna, and in embracing an element of the otherworldly and fantastical within these ecosystems. Whether I’m creating intricate repeats or expansive murals, I aim to transport the viewer into immersive, dreamlike realms.

    My biggest influences include creative powerhouses such as Avalana, Emma Shipley, and Emily Carter, alongside inspiring printmakers like Angela Harding and Mark Hearld. Their distinct approaches to storytelling through pattern, texture, and detail have had a lasting impact on my own creative journey.

    Can you tell us about the moment you knew you wanted to pursue textile design professionally?

    If I’m honest, I don’t think there was ever a time I didn’t want to pursue art and design professionally. It has always been what drives me and where my enthusiasm lies. I first explored fine art and illustration, but it wasn’t until I discovered Sanderson’s beautiful wallpapers in one of my mum’s home magazines that something clicked. I realised textile design was where I could truly bring my craftsmanship in drawing and painting to life – translating my work into wallpaper and fabric felt like the perfect fit.

    1. The Award-winning work

    What was the concept behind your winning collection?

    My collection, titled Dusk Till Dawn, focused on luxury wallcoverings and furnishing designs that offer an escape from the everyday, immersing the viewer in the beauty and opulence of an otherworldly jungle landscape filled with fantastical flora and mystical creatures. It explored the dreamlike transition from dusk to dawn. At twilight, the jungle awakens in a wild, abundant burst of life, while morning brings a quiet promise of renewal and new beginnings.

    What techniques and technologies did you use to achieve such vibrant results?

    Driven by my love of hand craftsmanship, I began by creating intricate illustrations using fineliner and pencil, exploring the marks, textures and shapes of this imagined paradise. These detailed yet decorative drawings were then digitally painted in rich jewel tones to evoke magical light qualities like bioluminescence and iridescence, with the goal of creating colours that truly glow.

    By carefully and patiently building up layers of digital paint using a Wacom tablet, I was able to achieve vividness and depth through tone and texture. The vibrancy in my physical pieces comes from the precision of digital printing at Leeds Arts University, complemented using Contrado and Printfab for my silk and velvet fabrics.

    Tree of Life, Beth Lingard

    1. Design process

    Could you walk us through your design process from idea to final print?

    For me, the design process always begins with plenty of research – making concept boards, mind maps, rough sketches, and soaking up inspiration from exhibitions and museums.

    Once I’ve gathered my ideas, I start with a rough sketch, thinking carefully about the composition and how the repeat pattern will flow. Then, I use a lightbox to create the final drawing. After that, I scan it at high resolution so I can enlarge the design later and capture every detail. Cleaning up the image in Photoshop is

    a meticulous process where I prepare the drawing for digital colouring using a Wacom tablet, allowing me to translate my physical colouring onto the screen. Colouring usually begins with experimenting with colour palettes and layouts. It’s a labour-intensive process, but one that truly allows me to express my creativity and achieve success in my work.

    How did you approach the use of colour in this project?

    Colour was a fundamental part of this project, central to capturing the dreamlike transition from dusk to dawn. The harmonious yet vivid palette depicted deep blues of twilight, gradually shifting into rich purples and magentas, flowing into fuchsias and scarlets, and finally into the golden oranges and fresh greens of morning, creating a vivid and immersive spectrum.

    To enhance the sense of opulence and wonder, I incorporated metallic foils and binders in gold and silver, as well as experimenting with coloured foils. These elements added a magical, fantastical layer, bringing light, depth and a sense of enchantment to the work.

    How do you balance digital innovation with traditional textile practices in your work?

    I’ve always believed that combining traditional craftsmanship and textile practices with innovative digital techniques creates a powerful and successful fusion. This approach allows the artistry of my drawing, painting, and image-making to truly shine through in physical fabrics and papers of exceptional quality-results I wouldn’t be able to achieve through traditional screen-printing processes due to the level of detail in my designs.

    What’s your favourite part of the process – sketching, sampling, printing or something else?

    My favourite part of the process is definitely the physical act of drawing and painting. I become completely immersed, and there’s always a thrill in seeing the finished piece come to life. A close second is seeing the designs printed onto paper and fabric. Witnessing the commercial quality of my initial ideas is incredibly exciting and never fails to amaze me!

    Winner: Beth Lingard. Photo credit, James Champion

    1. Industry and innovation

    Digital textile printing is revolutionising the industry by offering unmatched precision, vibrant colours, and limitless design possibilities…

    Yes, it enables faster, more sustainable production, making personalised, high-quality designs more accessible than ever. It’s a key part of how I bring my intricate, imaginative work to life with maximum colour impact.

    What challenges have you faced as a new designer entering this industry and how did you overcome them?

    My journey in the industry is just beginning, and thankfully, brilliant exhibitions like New Designers and Tex+ have given me amazing opportunities and connections. Being part of these events has helped me build a strong network and gain valuable experience, and I’m excited to see where this path takes me.

    1. Personal touch

    What does this award mean to you personally and professionally?

    Winning the ‘Premier Digital Textiles – Vibrancy in Print’ Award at New Designers and hearing my name called was a truly surreal and moving moment. Professionally, it means a lot to me because it gives me the chance to work with the fantastic team at Premier Digital Textiles. 

    Their expertise and high-quality printing will help me develop my portfolio and bring my detailed designs and vibrant colours to life through beautiful fabric samples.

    What advice would you give to emerging designers looking to break into the field?

    I truly believe that hard work always pays off. It’s important to make the most of every opportunity, be confident, and put yourself and your work out there. Building connections and staying passionate will help you grow and find your place in the industry.

    If you could collaborate with any brand, designer, or studio — who would it be and why?

    I’ve always been inspired by brands like the Liberty Design Studio, Sanderson, and Cole & Son, who truly celebrate craftsmanship and luxury. I’m also hugely inspired by the work of Adam Ellis Studio, with its bold, eclectic, and maximalist prints. Collaborating with any of these would be a dream, as they perfectly align with my passion for detailed, vibrant design.

    1. Looking ahead

    What’s next for you?

    Following the success of my recent exhibitions at New Designers and Tex+, I’m currently in discussions with a variety of design studios and individuals. I’m excited about collaborating with them and gaining valuable experience as I take my first steps into the industry!

    Are there any exciting projects or collections on the horizon?

    Having recently finished my graduate collection, which focused on detailed nature-inspired imagery, I’m now excited to experiment with contrasting themes inspired by urban and architectural shapes such as modern abstract and geometric motifs—passions of mine that I’m eager to explore further.

    How do you see your style evolving over the next few years?

    I have a strong foundation in detailed watercolour painting from my commission-based art business, which focuses on pet portraits. Building on this fundamental skill, I’d love to incorporate more of these painting techniques into my design work. I’m also eager to develop other styles further, such as flat gouache and looser acrylic painting, to create new textures and expressions within my portfolio.

  • Premier Digital Textiles launch prize at 40th edition of New Designers

    Premier Digital Textiles launch prize at 40th edition of New Designers

    A Premier Digital Textiles prize to celebrate emerging talent will be handed out at the 40th edition of New Designers. 

    The Vibrancy in Print Award celebrates creativity, innovation and the power of digital textile printing. 

    It will be given to the graduate who masterfully blends colour, pattern and digital techniques to create standout textile prints. 

    New Designers is an annual exhibition that brings together the best graduate design talent from across the UK. 

    During two weeks in July 2,500 talented graduates from a range of disciplines, including textiles, graphics and product design will showcase their work. 

    Elen Hughes, Sales and Marketing Coordinator, Premier Digital Textiles, said: “The winner of the Premier Digital Textiles Vibrancy in Print Award will receive an exciting £500 cash prize, along with £500 worth of our PrepRITE fabric and print time, enabling them to bring their designs to life.

    “As Europe’s leading supplier of fabric truly prepared for digital print we very much wanted to support New Designer’s 40th show. It’s a crucial platform to nurture and celebrate creativity, innovation and emerging talent within the design world. 

    “This initiative not only empowers the next generation of industry leaders and influencers but also plays a key role in the evolution of the industry. By championing fresh ideas and diverse perspectives, we can help the sector adapt and thrive in an ever-changing landscape, where new ways of thinking and creating continue to challenge traditional boundaries.”

    The winner of the Premier Digital Textiles Vibrancy in Print Award will receive ongoing mentoring support from the North West-based company’s industry experts and feature in an exclusive ‘New Designer Spotlight’ interview across its social media channels. 

    “Whether abstract, geometric, or inspired by nature, the winning designs should highlight the full potential of digital textile printing in a modern and dynamic way,” added Elen.

    “It’s important to mention also that the winner will have the opportunity to be showcased in OEM demo and experience centres worldwide, offering global exposure to leading brands, industry professionals, and innovators. Each display will credit the designer, ensuring well-deserved recognition for their work.”

    New Designers 2025 will be held at the Business Design Centre, London for two weeks from July 2. 

    JUDGES – The Premier Digital Textiles Vibrancy in Print Award – Week 1: July 2 – 5 

    Elen Hughes

    Grainne Brennan

    Toby Lunn

    Ashok Kallumpram (TBC)

  • Premier Conversations: Inkspin Founder Jilly Norton

    Premier Conversations: Inkspin Founder Jilly Norton

    Inkspin’s impact on the bespoke tailoring trade has been noted across the bespoke tailoring industry, with clients such as Lambton Tailoring & LGFG Fashion House who dress Jordan Peterson, Ozzy Osbourne and Tommy Fury to name but a few. We talk to the start-up’s founder Jilly Norton about Inkspin’s journey so far, what makes the company different, its successful partnership with Premier Digital Textiles and the importance of UK sourcing amidst Trump’s tariff war.

     

    Could you tell us a little about Inkspin Jilly, and your journey so far?

    Of course. Inkspin, a digital textile printing company for the bespoke tailoring trade, has been trading for two and a half years. The company is still new but we’re getting our name out there. Initially focusing on jacket linings with unique designs for celebrity clients, we soon expanded our services due to demand from bespoke tailors and garment manufacturers such as Lambton Tailoring. 

    Anyone looking to produce 500 suits off a manufacturing line with a standard lining won’t come to us because of the margins they work to. We’ll work with some of the tailors on Savile Row, who have incredibly wealthy clients who might want something like a Florida flag in the lining of one of their £5,000 bespoke suits. They like we’re UK-based, and that I can meet and talk to them directly.

    What makes Inkspin different?

    A few things really. Unlike other digital printing companies that simply print and supply, Inkspin collaborates closely with garment manufacturers and tailors to create and print designs that can be seamlessly integrated into the bespoke garment manufacturing process. This partnership approach ensures the final product looks fantastic and meets the high standards of made to measure and bespoke tailoring, where garments can be sold from £800 upwards. 

    The company’s designer understands what’s needed and is also an expert in made to measure garment manufacture. He ensures the printed designs are compatible with the specific garment’s pattern and the wearer’s unique measurements. Take someone like Eddie Hall for example. He won the 2017 World’s Strongest Man competition and is an LGFG fashion house customer. He’s quite a unique shape, and he’s quite different to some of their other well-known clients which include Jordan Peterson, Tommy Fury and Ozzy Osbourne. Put simply, our work must be bespoke.

    What led you to working with Premier Digital Textiles?

    Inkspin’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction steered us to Premier Digital Textiles, who we reached out to discuss our fabric needs. We were particularly interested in fabrics that could withstand the rigors of bespoke tailoring while maintaining fantastic print quality and consistency.

    Through collaboration with Premier, Inkspin has been able to source high-quality fabrics suitable for a variety of garments, including jackets, trousers, shirts and waistcoats. Inkspin continues to work closely with both its customers and Premier to ensure the evolving needs of the bespoke tailoring trade customers are being met and that the best possible products and services are being provided. 

    Can you give an example of what you do for celebrity clients?

    Sure. LGFG’s client, Jordan Peterson, wanted a range of clothes for his recent tour. We worked in collaboration to turn their design ideas into reality to create bespoke printed fabrics suitable for their garment manufacturing. It’s important to mention here that we print in the UK and source our supplies from within the UK as well. This narrative is valuable to our customers. Toby Lunn of Premier has met Adam, my print technician, based in Leeds and they’re able to review the suitability of fabrics.

    How much does UK sourcing matter to Inkspin?

    Our UK base is a key differentiator against competitors who print in China and typically require larger order quantities. Our minimum order quantity is only one meter, which is a significant advantage, especially for customers who are used to a minimum order of 50 meters for a woven or dyed fabric. We offer design services and printing at our low minimum order quantity.

    It’s important to remember that the UK market is substantial. Partnering with Lambton in Leeds has been key to our success as not only are they brilliant MTM garment manufacturers, but I am able to utilise their customs expertise and dispatch services. I supply Lambton, and they handle customs and delivery for all my customers. This is crucial for efficient shipping. By eliminating fabric sourcing issues, I can focus on fulfilling customer orders quickly, thanks to our UK-based operation and proximity to Premier in the northwest of England.

    I’d imagine short turnaround times are commonplace for Inkspin?

    Very much so. Next day turnaround is critical for us which is why I don’t want to buy from abroad. I have other suppliers who offer their services, but then there’s customs, and it takes weeks. If something gets stuck in customs, there are major delivery problems.  A quick turnaround is critical.

    Annually, we have a big contract for the Caribbean Premier League. The fact that Premier can get me the materials I need in a short turnaround is really helpful because the customer will sometimes need more shirts and we have to meet the shipment date. 

    Being a UK based printer with a UK supplier makes a huge difference, and Premier being in Bury means they are not far from us. 

    How would you explain your working relationship with Premier’s Toby Lunn?

    It’s important that the relationship we have with Premier has always been beneficial. The ability to see the garments in person and discuss our needs with Toby is invaluable. Our orders may be small and bespoke, but the service we receive, first from Elen and now from Toby, has been excellent.

    When our print team were first testing Premier’s French Velvet, we were able to consult with Toby and find solutions to print challenges which included input from another one of Premier’s customers. This collaborative approach has been key. Toby’s understanding of our business and the garments we print allows him to suggest relevant products, like the Mesa, which was immediately popular with one of our retail customers.

    I also remember Toby and I trying to track down the Duchess Satin fabric before Christmas. Toby was brilliant because the fabric also had to be printed and shipped to the garment manufacturer in order to meet schedules. We ended up with about 150 meters, and I only needed 10. He was brilliant; we were constantly texting, asking where the driver was. That kind of thing is really important.

    Being able to communicate directly and quickly with Toby or Elen about urgent orders and having them respond promptly is crucial to our business. This partnership and the ability to work closely together is essential to our success. It means Inkspin can gain a significant advantage over competitors.

    Is quality control important to the final products?

    Very. We check the quality of Premier’s fabrics to ensure that nothing has been damaged during manufacturing. Because bespoke garments are made to your unique measurements, one of the important quality control checks is to remeasure the finished garment and compare it to the original measurements. This ensures that there has been no shrinkage or other changes. Premier’s fabrics have all passed this final quality control step with flying colours.

    At Inkspin we prefer natural fabrics because that’s what the bespoke tailoring trade and their customers want. We now print on a total of 13 fabrics, 12 of which come from Premier. The new Mesa fabric has been great, and we’ve been doing some test printing and sewing of some shirts. Those are just coming back to our garment manufacturer, because one particular client wants to order 25 of each shirt. 

    What’s happening now and next for Inkspin?

    The latest thing we did, which has gone down really well, is utilising Premier’s French Velvet, a stunning fabric that we use for jackets. People are absolutely loving that. So, we’re rolling that out with one of our customer’s brands called Etch, a custom suit platform, we have created five different velvet designs for their range. Now that clients in Scotland have seen all the samples, they want to do Black Watch tartan velvet dressing gowns for one of their hotel clients. The velvet has excited everybody, as has Premier’s Duchess Satin that we’re printing on for bespoke waistcoats. 

    Ultimately, we are a very niche company. And it’s really important to have a good relationship with Premier. They provide fantastic customer service and understand that we’re trying to build a business too.

  • Premier Digital Textiles Joins Forces with Leading OEMs at FESPA Global Print Expo 2025!

    Premier Digital Textiles Joins Forces with Leading OEMs at FESPA Global Print Expo 2025!

    Premier Digital Textiles are excited to announce they will have a strong presence across OEM booths at this year’s FESPA Global Print Expo 2025, taking place at Messe Berlin!

    As the UK and Europe’s leading supplier of truly print-ready fabrics, Premier Digital are teaming up with EPSON, Mimaki, Klieverik, Monti Antonio, and HP to showcase the incredible capabilities of their PrepRITE™ fabric range.

    Here’s what to look out for:

     

    EPSON Booth

    Explore the power of pigment and sublimation printing with PrepRITE™ fabrics, demonstrated on the EPSON Mona Lisa and SureColour F Series printers.

     

    Mimaki Live Demos

    Catch the debut of the new TS3300 pigment printer, live printing on PrepRITE™ pigment pretreated fabrics.
    Plus, don’t miss the TRAPIS solution demonstration, a collaboration with Klieverik & Neenah Coldenhove, featuring Premier Digital’s 3014 Warp Satin.

     

    Monti Antonio Booth

    See 2441 Denver 3mt wide polyester fabric in action on Monti Antonio’s calendar systems.

     

    HP Live Showcases

    HP will demonstrate their Gen 4 inks using PrepRITE™ Latex fabric, 3196 Leenane Blackout for stunning print results.

     

    Premier Digital representatives will be available to meet at the show, visitors are welcome to ask any fabric advice, technical questions, or explore the extensive fabric collection.

    PrepRITE™ Fabrics – Bringing Creativity to Life.

  • PrepRITE brand launched by Premier Digital Textiles

    PrepRITE brand launched by Premier Digital Textiles

    Premier Digital Textiles has released an extensive range of new high quality fabrics to the global markets.

    Its PrepRITE brand includes fabrics in multiple weaves, weights, constructions and compositions and is designed to help transform creative ideas into stunning prints.

    Nick Smith is Managing Director of Europe’s leader in delivering high-quality fabric truly prepared for digital print.

    He said: “Our new PrepRITE range comes at an exciting time for us and indeed the industry. What we have is a specialised fabrics brand that enhances print performance across a wide range of ink types, including sublimation, pigment, and latex inks.

    “Each fabric is meticulously engineered to meet specific printing needs, the highest quality standards and also positively contributes to our planet.”

    Premier Digital Textiles is part of the Premier Textile group along with USA-based Premex Solutions and Bancroft Soft Furnishings.

    The company houses over 4 million metres of stock at its modern warehouse facilities in the UK and America.

    Having already been serving the American market as Premex Solutions since October 2022, Premier Digital Textiles began trading from the UK in August 2023.

    “In the first year of trading across the UK and US divisions we delivered £5 million revenues,” said Nick.

    “We take pride in serving the digital print industry with high-quality textiles, offering a diverse range of fabrics that cater to the home furnishings, interior decor and fashion markets.”

    He added: “Fabrics in the PrepRITE range include organic cotton, recycled polyester, innovative cotton and polyester alternatives.

    “And as customers continue to look for added value, we firmly believe that PrepRITE is the go-to choice for professionals seeking reliable and high-performing print fabrics.”

  • “I made your fabric,” say Premier Digital Textiles

    “I made your fabric,” say Premier Digital Textiles

    To celebrate Fashion Revolution Week, Premier Digital Textiles outlines its commitment to ethical fashion

    Fashion Revolution Week encourages consumers to ask, ‘Who made my clothes?’

    At Premier Digital Textiles, we proudly respond: ‘I made your fabric’. And that’s because we believe fashion should be a force for good.

    Now in its 11th year Fashion Revolution Week started in the wake of the 2013 Rana Plaza disaster in Bangladesh.

    As a global movement it justly continues to raise awareness about the human rights and environmental impacts of the fashion and textile industry.

    Premier Digital Textiles, Europe’s leader in delivering high-quality fabric truly prepared for digital print, has long been an avid supporter – and contributor – of the need for transparency, fairness and sustainability in the fashion industry.

    Our commitment to change: How we’re contributing

    At Premier Digital Textiles, we believe fashion should be a force for good and are proud to share the actions we’re taking to build a more ethical and sustainable fashion and textile industry. The goal is to shift the fashion and textile industry towards practices that prioritise people and the environment over profits.

    1. Transparency in our supply chain
    We’re committed to transparency, ensuring that we know exactly where our fabric comes from. We collaborate closely with our mill partners to guarantee ethical production, fair wages and safe working conditions. Our mill partners meet social audit requirements including SA8000, Fair Trade, STeP by Oeko-Tex and GOTS.

    2. Sustainable materials and practices
    We’re reducing our environmental footprint by using eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, recycled cotton and recycled polyester. Our mill partners’ strategic actions in renewable energy, emission reduction, water conservation, recycling and circularity underline this.

    3. Supporting fair labour practices
    Fair wages and safe working conditions are at the heart of our mission. We partner with suppliers who uphold labour rights and are dedicated to improving the lives of their workers. Our mill partners go beyond the basics, offering equal opportunities supporting community welfare programmes and providing benefits such as subsidised education, free accommodation, transport and medical check-ups.

    4. Ethical design and production
    We focus on creating durable cloth that stands the test of time. By designing for longevity, we reduce overconsumption and encourage customers to invest in quality.

    As part of our commitment to these values, we work alongside global mill partners and maintain close working relationships with UK weavers and finishers who share our same values.

    Global mill partners: Our Head of Supply Chain Sarah Marlow reflects on “invaluable” visits

    As part of our commitment to improving the way we work with our mill partners, our Head of Supply Chain, Sarah Marlow, recently undertook trips to meet with some of them.

    These trips were an invaluable part of our ongoing mission to ensure ethical and sustainable practices across our supply chain.

    Reflecting on her travels in 2024, Sarah shared her insights and the importance of building and renewing relationships with global mill partners.

    She said: “The primary goal of my visits was to understand the complexities of the production process and the importance of building strong relationships with our suppliers.

    “I walked through the entire production journey, from fibre cleaning to final packing. It was a valuable opportunity to gain insights into quality control and international compliance.”

    Sarah’s visits included both a small, specialised mill and a larger producer with over 10,000 employees.

    These visits highlighted the importance of nurturing personal relationships with suppliers, ensuring shared commitment to ethical practices and quality standards.

    Sarah added: “Regular updates and TEAMS meetings with our mill partners allow us to stay aligned on goals and continually improve. As we plan additional visits in 2025, I’m excited for the new perspectives and insights these will bring. I look forward to the ongoing updates and new insights we will gain through our regular meetings and planned visits in 2025”

    These visits underscore the importance of staying connected with our supply chain partners and continuously seeking new ways to enhance our practices. They are a key part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, transparency and ethical production.

    ‘It’s left a positive lasting impression,’ says Business Development Manager Grainne Brennan following a trip to India

    Grainne Brennan recently returned from a visit to India, where she had the opportunity to spend time with one of Premier Digital Textiles’ key mill partners.

    The trip, she says, proved invaluable both professionally and personally.

    “This visit brought a new level of understanding and collaboration to our partnership,” Grainne shared. “As someone who works closely with the team every day, meeting them in person helped to strengthen that relationship in a really important way.”

    During her time on the ground, Grainne was able to witness the full manufacturing journey, an experience that deepened her appreciation of the process.

    “I gained insight into everything from spinning the yarn to weaving and finishing the final fabrics. It really helped me understand just how much is involved at every stage.”

    One standout moment for her was seeing the fabric finishing process in action.

    “I’ve visited our UK-based finishers before, so I had some foundational knowledge going in,” she explained, “but seeing how the process is done in India added a whole new dimension. It was fascinating.”

    What left a lasting impression on Grainne was the mill’s strong commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.

    “Their investments in zero-discharge water treatment, afforestation projects and renewable energy really spoke to their forward-thinking approach,” she noted. “But what struck me most was their social focus – especially their efforts around women’s empowerment. Women make up 50% of the workforce, which is something truly inspiring to see in action.”

    Reflecting on the experience, Grainne said: “This trip gave me far more than just insights into the manufacturing process – it gave me a deeper understanding of who we’re working with and reaffirmed why this partnership matters so much.”

    UK partners

    In addition to our global mill partners, we maintain close working partnerships with UK weavers and finishers. It enables us to build strong hands-on relationships.

    The ability to visit regularly allows us to ensure that production is carried out ethically, with fair labour practices in place. It gives us greater transparency across our supply chain, and it’s encouraging to see our partners continually striving to improve and meet ambitious sustainability targets.

    The future of fashion: What’s next?

    During this journey toward a more sustainable and ethical fashion and textile industry, we rightly recognise that change takes time.

    At Premier Digital Textiles we are deeply committed to contributing to a fashion and textile industry that is fair, sustainable and respects people and the planet.

    So join us in the revolution

    During Fashion Revolution Week 2025, we encourage you to ask, ‘Who made my clothes?’

    Whether you’re purchasing fabric with us or another company, your choices matter.

    By supporting ethical brands and demanding greater transparency, you help create a future that’s better for planet earth and its people.

    At Premier Digital Textiles Ltd, we’re proud to be part of the solution.

    Together we can revolutionise the fashion and textile industry – one conscious choice at a time.

    Author: Elen Hughes, Premier Digital Textiles