A Message from CEO Tamara Cincik: 'Fashion Roundtable always aim to ensure we challenge, educate and engage'

As lockdown in the UK eases, the sunny, hopeful days of Spring are opening up new horizons. I am sure that many of us, like my favourite Greek Goddess Persephone (yes, I am the type of person who has a favourite Greek Goddess!) who rushes to join her mother Demeter, goddess of the earth, rising up from the underworld in time for Spring, are looking forward. Looking forward to seeing friends, entertaining, visiting relatives, socialising - remember that? - doing more than walking in the local park and scheduling back-to-back Zoom sessions. I have got used to a day filled with calls, interviews and events, all taking place on my laptop. I am sure it will be an adjustment getting back into meetings in parliament, members clubs and offices.

We have so much to look forward to at Fashion Roundtable. Highlights include:

19th April - a virtual roundtable discussion with the Shadow International Trade Team Emily Thornberry MP and Bill Esterson MP.

A meeting with Minister for Small Business Paul Scully MP which came about as a result of our open letter to the Government earlier this year. The date of this meeting will be confirmed soon.

3 upcoming reports (which are very close to delivery) covering our work on trade, Representation and Inclusion and Sustainability.

An event with Instagram's cult account Fashion Assistants, and BECTU on 7th May (for more information click here).

And so much more!

My mission statement for Fashion Roundtable is based on wanting each of you to reach your potential - whether that’s as individuals or businesses. This has not changed. I believe all of us need to understand that to reach our goals, it takes time, support, education and bravery. It’s not easy to challenge a paradigm. In fact, it can feel uncomfortable and challenging.

We want to see a more inclusive industry, one that acknowledges talent and works towards net zero and greener business models. The steps to achieve this are not straight-forward. I know that if you want to bring about change, you have to navigate conversations and agendas that vary from your own.

Change does not happen in a room (or Zoom) filled with people just like us. It happens when we speak to those we do not agree with and try to shift their thinking. This is not easy. It requires support, empathy, educational tools and resources. I hope that Fashion Roundtable gives you those insights and assets - from the content we share in our newsletter, where so often I read a thought-provoking article for the first time and feel really proud of our editor Lottie for finding such interesting stories, to our events and podcasts.

Fashion Roundtable always aim to ensure we challenge, educate and engage. As our reach is widening, we are receiving many DMs and emails. To support those messages, I am hosting a monthly IG Live starting next Tuesday at 1pm BST, so if you have any questions please email admin@fashionroundtable.co.uk and I hope to see you then.