Burberry partners with Leeds Beckett University to foster fashion talent

Burberry has announced a formal partnership with Leeds Beckett University (LBU) and its BA (Hons) Fashion Design course as the brand builds on its commitment to support emerging fashion talent.

The partnership is meant to create new opportunities for students to gain industry insight and develop skills that will help their careers in the creative sector.

Rooted in a shared connection to Yorkshire, the British luxury fashion brand first partnered with the University for a pilot programme in 2024 and is now formalising the relationship.

Burberry has had presence in the region for a long time, with an office in Leeds and manufacturing sites in Castleford and Keighley.

The partnership has seen second-year students at LBU working on a live industry brief, where they were tasked with redesigning and constructing a Burberry trench coat using surplus gabardine fabric, famously used for weather-resistant outerwear and first invented by Thomas Burberry in 1879.

These trench coat designs were then presented by students in February at Burberry’s Castleford manufacturing site. The designs were judged by Burberry colleagues, with two students awarded work experience in Castleford, where they will gain hands-on insight into the design and production process behind the classic trench coat.

For final year students, the partnership will see students receive professional guidance and mentorship on their graduate collections, across both their creative and professional practices.

In May, students’ final garments and portfolios were judged Burberry manufacturing teams, with exceptional students receiving an award, which includes a paid internship also at Burberry’s Castleford manufacturing site.

Alexandra McCauley, Chief People Officer at Burberry, said: "Yorkshire has long been an important part of Burberry’s story, and we are proud to support the next generation of creative talent in the region.

"Through our partnership with Leeds Beckett University, we are creating opportunities for emerging designers to develop their skills, gain industry experience and build meaningful connections with the luxury fashion industry.

"By investing in local talent today, we are helping to strengthen the future of British craftsmanship, manufacturing and creativity for years to come."

Sam Hudson-Miles, Course Director for BA (Hons) Fashion Design at LBU, added: "This partnership gives our students a unique opportunity to engage directly with one of Britain's most iconic luxury brands, combining creative exploration with valuable industry experience.

"By responding to a live brief inspired by the Burberry trench coat, students are challenged to develop their own design voice while gaining insight into the craftsmanship, heritage and innovation that underpin the fashion industry.

"Experiences like this play an important role in preparing the next generation of creative talent for their future careers."

Last month, Burberry reported that it had swung back to profit after its bet on Gen Z shoppers and move to revive its British heritage paid off, but it flagged worries over the possible impact of an Iran war on consumer spending.

Its “Burberry Forward” strategy has also involved reviving the brand’s heritage and focusing on bestselling items, such as its trench coats, scarves and distinctive check pattern, after efforts to modernise failed to deliver a boost.

Founded in England in 1856, Burberry has come under pressure in recent years from weaker spending across the luxury sector and its key Chinese market being hit particularly hard.