East Midlands Organisations
There were a number of organisations set up in the East Midlands specifically to support the local industry.
East Midlands Clothing and Textiles Cluster (EMCAT)
EMCAT was formed in 2002 by the East Midlands Development Agency to provide support to the clothing, textile and footwear industry in the East Midlands. The organisation aims to further the development of global trading, niche markets and textile innovations.
East Midlands Textile Association (EMTEX)
EMTEX was founded in 1994 as a support organisation for the textile industry in the East Midlands. The East Midlands region houses the largest cluster of textile companies in the UK and Europe, with over 85,000 people and 2,300 companies working in the industry in the early twenty first century.
EMTEX's subsidiary organisation, NADCAT (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Clothing and Textiles Association), has gained over 550 member companies from across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. NADCAT provides support to members in the areas of sales and marketing, information technology and e-commerce, education, recruitment and training, productivity enhancement and diversification, and design. The association also works to promote the local clothing and textile industry.
LENCAT (Leicestershire and Northamptonshire Textiles Association) was launched in 2002 as a sister organisation to NADCAT. The new organisation extends support to companies in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire.
Knitwear and Lace Industry Training and Research Association (KLITRA)
KLITRA was founded in 1982 as the national training organisation for the knitting lace and narrow fabrics industry. The organisation offers a range of training courses aimed at enhancing the skills of people working in the industry. KLITRA is based at the Nottinghamshire International Clothing Centre.