The British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) has announced a series of initiatives in 2026, including the formation of the UK-India Textile Machinery Coalition. The move comes in the context of evolving trade dynamics following the UK-India Free Trade Agreement signed in July 2025.

According to BTMA CEO Jason Kent, the agreement is expected to influence sourcing, competitiveness and long-term trade relationships.

“At its core, this deal removes or reduces tariffs on the vast majority of clothing and home textiles, with duties of around 8-12% on Indian exports to the UK effectively eliminated,” he explains. “This gives Indian manufacturers significantly improved price competitiveness in one of the world’s most valuable consumer markets.”

He further noted the implications for UK-based textile machinery manufacturers.

“India is one of the world’s largest textile producers and continues to invest heavily in modernising its mills – from spinning and weaving through to finishing. Improved trade terms, including reduced tariffs and clearer market access conditions, make it easier for UK machinery suppliers to compete in this expanding market.”

The official launch of the UK-India Textile Machinery Coalition is scheduled for May 8th at the India ITME Centre in Mumbai. Businesses and media interested in attending have been invited to contact the BTMA’s Janette Hunter.

In addition to international engagement, BTMA has introduced domestic initiatives aimed at workforce development. The Future Leaders Committee (FLC) has been established for mid-career professionals within member companies. The programme focuses on leadership, governance and strategic capabilities, while also providing participants with exposure to industry-wide challenges and opportunities.

The association has also introduced the BTMA Industry Placement Bursary Scheme, which is designed to support member companies in offering placements to students, graduates and apprentices, with the aim of strengthening the sector’s skills pipeline.

Another initiative, the “Curious about Textiles” short course, has been developed for new entrants to BTMA member companies as well as existing professionals seeking updated industry knowledge.

“We need to ensure we are doing enough to support the future of the industry, not just commercially, but in terms of people, skills and leadership,” Jason Kent concludes. “The course is now fully developed and has been curated directly from the expertise of our members. We’ll be running a two-day pilot in early June at the BTMA offices in Manchester and then rolling it out more broadly to our membership in the autumn. It’s heavily subsidised by BTMA, so participation for our member organisations is very affordable. Please contact us directly for further information and let’s work together to support the exciting future for UK-made textile technologies.”