Boden and the British Fashion Council (BFC) have news... The two have joined forces, developing an initiative to support emerging British designers in menswear, womenswear and accessories.
In a collaboration entitled 'Future British', selected designers will take part in a 12-month mentoring programme – designed by the clothing retailer to include financial support and direction on product development, PR, marketing, brand identity and lookbooks.
They will also receive guidance from Boden's Chairman Johnnie Boden, its CEO Julian Granville, and a number of company directors.
And if that wasn't enough, what about this for impressive: the BFC will open doors to its Fashion Business Network too, allowing access to business associates on-hand to advise on law, accounting, banking and communications.
So, who are this year's lucky designers?
There are three of them: Caitlin Charles-Jones, a knitwear designer; Samantha McCoach, a kilt designer; and Camilla Elphick, who designs shoes.
“I’m thrilled to announce the launch of our collaboration with the BFC to support start-up designer brands in Britain,” Johnnie Boden has said of the project. “The aim of Future British is to give these individuals the opportunity to succeed as the next big clothing brand.”
With such heavyweight support, we've little doubt they will. Who needs The Apprentice, ey?