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How to create a marketing plan for your small business - build a brand, target customers and set prices that will maximise sales.

The internet has transformed business marketing. No matter what you do, the internet is likely to be at the heart of your marketing strategy.

Social media is firmly established as a marketing tool. Having a presence opens up new lines of communication with existing and potential customers.

Good advertising puts the right marketing message in front of the right people at the right time, raising awareness of your business.

Customer care is at the heart of all successful companies. It can help you develop customer loyalty and improve relationships with your customers.

Sales bring in the money that enables your business to survive and grow. Your sales strategy will be driven by your sales objectives.

Market research exists to guide your business decisions by giving you insight into your market, competitors, products, marketing and your customers.

Exhibitions and events are valuable for businesses because they allow face-to-face communication and offer opportunities for networking.

Dressmaker sector trends

(last updated July 2019)

What has been happening in the dressmaking sector

The clothing sector has seen changes in recent years as consumer interest in branded fashion labels has increased and designer wear has become available from a wide variety of outlets, such as department stores, independent clothing retailers, mail order catalogues and the internet. At the same time, consumers have been resistant to higher prices and clothing prices as a whole have not kept up with inflation.

However, consumers do appear more willing to pay high prices for made-to-measure outfits for special occasions which are exclusive and which are different from anything that can be bought ready-to-wear. Bear in mind though that the amount of money that people spend on clothing is affected by the state of the economy and the economic uncertainty about the Brexit negotiations may have affected demand for bespoke services. What's more, shoppers are being offered very large discounts by most clothing retailers which may persuade them to buy 'off the peg' rather than bespoke garments.

You will have to decide whether:

  • there is sufficient demand in your area to support your proposed dressmaking business
  • you will be able to compete against other dressmakers and clothing suppliers
  • it would be worth offering an alterations service - demand for this grew during the recent economic downturn and consumers are still looking to save money

Keeping up to date with developments

Joining a trade association is an excellent way of staying up to date with developments in your industry.

The UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT) represents the clothing industry in the UK. You can contact them at 3, Queen Square, Bloomsbury, London WC1N 3AR or find out more on their website.

It is very important that you keep up with fashion trends so that you can offer advice to your customers and create up-to-the-minute designs. You might like to subscribe to consumer fashion magazines such as Vogue or trade journals such as Drapers, published by EMAP Publishing Ltd.

Trade shows

You will be able to obtain a lot of useful information if you go to a fashion show or a trade fair. The Exhibitions website contains details of forthcoming exhibitions. You will be able to see all the latest British designs at the spring and autumn London Fashion Week events, organised by the British Fashion Council.

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