As Covid-19 continues to cause disruption around the globe amid a worsening climate crisis, smartification has become the watchword of a new era. This is not just about adopting the latest technologies and accelerating the digitalisation of the whole supply chain, it is also about adopting a new mindset and a reassessment of traditional ways of working.
The businesses that survive and thrive in the post-Covid era will be those that can adapt to the rapidly changing ‘new normal’. But it goes beyond the immediate pandemic response. Smartification requires businesses to adopt more agile ways of working, to be prepared to try new things, quickly, and to invest in the people, skills, and technologies that will deliver long-term business resilience.
People are key, now and in the future. As the digital revolution gathers pace, the technology and skill requirements of fashion businesses are changing. The first webinar in the ASBCI’s Survival of the Smartest series will focus on the essential skills that will take the fashion industry forward beyond 2020.
The online debate, organised with event partner MOTIF, will take place on 2 December at 10.30am. It will open with a scene-setting presentation by Jackie Lewis from MOTIF on the findings of MOTIF’s State of Skills in the Apparel Industry 2020 report. Featuring input from 900 professionals and 19 industry associations, the report provides vital insight into the skills and training trends within the sector and reflects on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on professional learning to inform business and talent development strategies.
Jackie’s presentation will be followed by a debate between a panel of experts, including:
Jenny Holloway from Fashion Enter, a social enterprise specialising in training and manufacturing excellence, Kate Hills from Make it British, and specialist recruitment consultant Lindsay Clarke from Planet Personnel. The panel will consider how best to identify these essential skills, the importance of upskilling and investing in existing staff, and key recruitment strategies.
To discover more about our panellists, click here
The panel discussion will be moderated by Dr Julie King, ASBCI Event Director, and is free to attend.
To book your place, please visit our Events page
The Beyond 2020: Survival of the Smartest digital conference will take place in May 2021.
