The Textile Recycling Association announced the appointment of its new President Ian Woods from Next Best Clothing at its AGM which was held recently in London. Taking over from incumbent President Ross Barry whose term comes to an end in March, Mr Woods is looking to steer the association into new developing areas in what continues to be a very difficult trading period.
Mr Woods said “I am honoured to be taking on this role. Despite the economic difficulties, there is lots of really important work going on to develop and secure the long term future of the industry. We look forward to continuing our work with WRAP and Zero Waste Scotland on the Sustainable Clothing Action Plan, and through the Bureau of International Recycling we will continue to push the textile recycling agenda at international level. This industry is in a position to make a significant contribution to the circular economic and carbon reduction targets and the Textile Recycling Association will be at the forefront of this”.
In his final report to the AGM as President Mr Barry said “From working with Ian for a number of years I know he is passionate about our industry and has the skills to steer a course for the Association to be seen as the respected authority on our industry.” Mr Barry also recounted a story about how a business course lecturer “exclaimed that without a shadow of a doubt in the thirty years working with small and large businesses, ours was the most complicated and inherently risky he had ever seen”
Linking to the risky nature of the business, delegates also expressed concerns that the market showed no sign of turning and that prices could continue to fall and cited:
- Huge depreciations of currencies in Africa/Eastern Europe and significant devaluation of the Euro against the Pound, making British Exports more expensive and slowing down payments from abroad;
- Civil unrest in Ukraine and Sub-Saharan Africa together with the outbreak of Ebola in West Africa, restricting transport of goods across these regions;
- Increasing downward pressure on prices being afforded in key markets as used clothing competes with imports of new cheap new clothing from China with a resultant over-supply of clothing.
These concerns were reflected in presentations given by Phil Geller of I&G Cohen and Lee Widdowson of Oxfam Wastesavers, into the state of the market.
With members also experiencing severe problems in obtaining insurance at realistic prices, Tim Rogers from Direct Insurance provided an overview of the current situation in the insurance market and suggested that textile recyclers should put their priorities in asset protection, managing and reducing their risks and making sure that the terms of their policies are fit for purpose.
Further Information
Contact: Alan Wheeler – Director
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