Privacy Policy – In Factories We Trust

In Factories We Trust (IFWT) – Privacy Policy

Last updated: August 2026

1. Introduction

In Factories We Trust (“IFWT”, “we”, “us” or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy and handling personal information responsibly, transparently and securely.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store and share personal information when you:

visit the IFWT website;
create or manage an account;
apply to join the IFWT platform;
create or update a manufacturer profile;
upload information or documentation;
make an enquiry through the platform;
subscribe to communications;
attend or engage with an IFWT event or activity; or
otherwise communicate with the IFWT team.

We process personal information in accordance with applicable UK data-protection legislation, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018 and relevant amendments introduced by the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025.

2. Who We Are

In Factories We Trust is a programme developed to support greater transparency, connectivity and opportunity within UK fashion and textile manufacturing.

The programme brings together manufacturers, brands, retailers, buyers and industry stakeholders through a searchable digital platform.

Data Controller:
Jenny Holloway

Registered address:
Phoenix House King Street, 2nd Floor, Leicester, England, LE1 6RN

Data protection enquiries:
info@infactorieswetrust.com

The organisation named above is the data controller responsible for deciding how and why personal information collected through IFWT is processed.

3. Information We May Collect

Depending on how you use the platform, we may collect:

Account and Contact Information

This may include:

name;
job title;
business or organisation;
email address;
telephone number;
username or account details; and
communications with the IFWT team.

Manufacturer and Business Profile Information

When applying to join IFWT or creating a manufacturer profile, we may collect information including:

company name and trading name;
company address and locations;
website and contact information;
company registration information;
names and roles of relevant contacts;
manufacturing capabilities;
products and services;
production capacity;
machinery and technical capabilities;
workforce information;
accreditations and certifications;
compliance information;
sustainability information;
audit information;
photographs, videos and other media;
documents uploaded as part of an application or profile; and
other information voluntarily provided to demonstrate the business’s capabilities.

Some of this information is intended to form part of the publicly searchable manufacturer directory. Other information may be collected for verification, administration or programme purposes and will not necessarily be made public.

We will make clear, where appropriate, which information is intended for publication.

Website and Technical Information

When you use the website we may automatically collect technical information such as:

IP address;
browser type;
device type;
operating system;
pages visited;
date and time of visits;
referring website;
interaction with website features; and
cookie and analytics information.

Further information will be provided in our Cookie Policy.

4. How We Use Your Information

We may use personal information to:

create and administer user accounts;
assess applications to join IFWT;
verify manufacturer information;
create, publish and maintain manufacturer profiles;
operate the searchable manufacturer directory;
enable brands, buyers and other users to discover UK manufacturers;
respond to enquiries;
communicate with members about their accounts or profiles;
request updates to manufacturer information;
administer IFWT activities, events and opportunities;
improve the functionality and performance of the platform;
understand how the website is being used;
maintain the security and integrity of the platform;
prevent misuse, fraud or unlawful activity;
maintain appropriate records;
comply with legal and regulatory obligations; and
where permitted, communicate relevant IFWT news, opportunities, events or industry information.

We will not use personal information for purposes that are incompatible with those described above unless permitted or required by law.

5. Our Lawful Bases for Processing

Under UK data-protection law, we must have a lawful basis for processing personal information.

Depending on the circumstances, we may rely upon:

Contract – where processing is necessary to provide an account, membership or platform service that you have requested.

Legitimate interests – where processing is necessary for the operation, administration, security and development of IFWT, for supporting UK manufacturing, maintaining accurate directory information, facilitating relevant business connections or communicating with business users, provided those interests are not overridden by your rights and interests.

Consent – where you have actively consented to a particular use of your information, such as certain forms of marketing or non-essential cookies where consent is required. You may withdraw consent at any time.

Legal obligation – where processing is necessary for us to comply with applicable law or regulatory requirements.

Other lawful bases may apply where permitted by law.

6. Public Manufacturer Profiles

A central purpose of IFWT is to provide a searchable directory through which brands, retailers, buyers and other relevant stakeholders can discover UK manufacturers.

Information submitted for inclusion within a manufacturer profile may therefore be publicly accessible.

This may include information such as:

business name;
business location;
business contact details selected for publication;
website;
manufacturing capabilities;
product categories;
services;
production information;
certifications or accreditations;
photographs and other profile media; and
other information selected or approved for publication.

Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring they have authority to provide information relating to their business, employees or representatives for publication.

Information collected solely for administration, verification or assessment will not automatically be published.

7. Accuracy of Manufacturer Information

Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring information submitted to IFWT is accurate, current and not misleading.

We may contact manufacturers periodically to request confirmation or updating of their profile information.

We may also amend, suspend or remove information where we reasonably believe it is inaccurate, outdated, misleading, unlawful or inappropriate for the platform.

8. Sharing Personal Information

We may share personal information with trusted organisations where necessary to operate IFWT.

These may include:

website hosting and technology providers;
IT and cybersecurity providers;
database and platform providers;
email and communications providers;
analytics providers;
professional advisers;
programme delivery partners where appropriate;
organisations supporting verification or compliance processes; and
public authorities or regulators where required by law.

Where third parties process personal information on our behalf, we require appropriate data-protection arrangements to be in place.

We do not sell personal information to third parties.

Information intentionally published within the public manufacturer directory will, by its nature, be accessible to website visitors.

9. IFWT Programme Partners

IFWT is delivered with the involvement of organisations working collaboratively to support the UK fashion and textile manufacturing sector.

Where personal information needs to be shared with a programme partner for a specific activity, we will ensure there is an appropriate lawful basis and data-protection arrangement for doing so.

Being an IFWT programme partner does not automatically give an organisation unrestricted access to personal information held by the platform.

10. Marketing and Communications

We may send service communications that are necessary for administering your account, application, profile or participation in IFWT.

These are different from marketing communications.

Where we send direct marketing, we will comply with applicable UK data-protection and electronic communications requirements.

Where consent is required, we will obtain it before sending marketing communications.

You can unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time by using the unsubscribe link provided or by contacting us.

Opting out of marketing will not prevent us from sending essential communications relating to your account, profile, membership or use of the platform.

11. Cookies and Analytics

The IFWT website may use cookies and similar technologies to operate the website, remember preferences, understand website usage and improve our services.

Some cookies are necessary for the website to function. Other cookies or similar technologies may require your consent.

Further information about the cookies and technologies used on the IFWT website, their purposes and how to manage your preferences will be provided in our Cookie Policy.

12. International Transfers

Some technology or service providers may process information outside the United Kingdom.

Where personal information is transferred internationally, we will ensure that appropriate safeguards required by UK data-protection law are in place.

Information intentionally published in the public IFWT directory may be accessible internationally through the internet.

13. How Long We Keep Information

We retain personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes for which it was collected, including legal, regulatory, administrative and reporting requirements.

Retention periods will depend on the type of information and how it is used.

For example:

active account and profile information may be retained while the account or membership remains active;
application and verification records may be retained for an appropriate period after an application or membership ends;
correspondence may be retained where necessary for administration or record-keeping;
marketing information may be retained until consent is withdrawn or an objection is received, subject to maintaining appropriate suppression records; and
technical and security records may be retained for appropriate periods to protect the platform and investigate incidents.

We periodically review information and securely delete or anonymise information that is no longer required.

14. Your Data Protection Rights

Depending on the circumstances, UK data-protection law may give you the right to:

request access to personal information we hold about you;
ask us to correct inaccurate or incomplete information;
request deletion of your personal information;
request restriction of processing;
object to certain processing, including direct marketing;
request transfer of certain information to you or another organisation;
withdraw consent where processing is based on consent; and
raise concerns about how your information is being used.

These rights are not absolute and may be subject to legal exceptions.

To exercise a right, contact:

info@infactorieswetrust.com

We may need to verify your identity before responding to a request.

15. Complaints

If you have concerns about how we use your personal information, please contact us first so that we have an opportunity to resolve the matter.

You also have the right to complain to the UK’s independent data-protection regulator, the

Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

Information about making a complaint is available from the ICO

16. Security

We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal information against unauthorised access, accidental loss, alteration, disclosure or destruction.

Access to non-public information is restricted to people and service providers who reasonably require access for authorised purposes.

However, no online service can guarantee absolute security, and users are responsible for keeping their account credentials confidential.

17. Third-Party Websites

The IFWT website may contain links to websites operated by third parties.

Those organisations are responsible for their own privacy practices and website content. We encourage users to review the privacy information provided by third-party websites before providing personal information to them.

18. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes to IFWT, our technology, our processing activities or applicable law.

The latest version will always be published on the IFWT website and the “Last updated” date will be amended accordingly.

Where a change materially affects how we use existing personal information, we will take appropriate steps to bring the change to the attention of affected users.

19. Contact Us

For questions about this Privacy Policy or the way IFWT handles personal information, please contact:

In Factories We Trust
Phoenix House King Street, 2nd Floor, Leicester, England, LE1 6RN
info@infactorieswetrust.com

Terms & Conditions

Last updated: August 2026

1. About These Terms

These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) govern applications for membership of, and participation in, the In Factories We Trust (“IFWT”) platform.

Please read these Terms carefully before creating an account or submitting an application.

By creating an account, submitting an application or confirming acceptance of these Terms, you agree to be bound by them.

2. About In Factories We Trust

In Factories We Trust is a digital platform designed to increase visibility, transparency and connectivity within UK fashion and textile manufacturing.

The platform enables manufacturers to provide information about their businesses and capabilities and enables brands, retailers, buyers and other relevant stakeholders to search for and discover UK manufacturing businesses.

IFWT is operated by:

APPAREL & TEXTILE MANUFACTURERS FEDERATION CIC
Registered office: Phoenix House King Street, 2nd Floor, Leicester, England, LE1 6RN

Company number: 14209241

3. Eligibility

Membership is intended for eligible UK fashion, textile and related manufacturing businesses.

Applicants must:

provide accurate and complete information;
be authorised to submit information on behalf of the organisation;
satisfy any eligibility criteria published by IFWT;
complete required sections of the application process;
provide reasonable supporting evidence where requested; and
agree to these Terms.

Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance onto the platform.

IFWT reserves the right to accept or refuse an application where reasonably necessary to maintain the purpose, integrity or standards of the platform.

4. Accounts

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality and security of your account credentials.

You must not allow an unauthorised person to use your account.

You are responsible for activity carried out through your account unless you have notified us promptly that your account has been compromised.

You must notify IFWT as soon as reasonably possible if you believe there has been unauthorised access to your account.

5. Information You Provide

You are responsible for ensuring that information submitted through IFWT is:

accurate;
complete where required;
current;
not misleading;
lawful;
relevant to your business;
supported by evidence where requested; and
information that you are authorised to provide.

You must not knowingly submit false or misleading claims about your business, capabilities, customers, workforce, certifications, accreditations, compliance status or other matters.

You agree to update your profile where information materially changes.

IFWT may periodically request that members review and reconfirm their information.

6. Verification and Supporting Documentation

IFWT may request documentation or other evidence to support information provided within an application or manufacturer profile.

This may include evidence relating to areas such as company information, manufacturing capabilities, accreditations, certifications, audits, compliance, policies or other information relevant to the platform.

The fact that IFWT has reviewed, requested or received documentation does not constitute a guarantee, certification, accreditation, audit or legal endorsement by IFWT unless expressly stated otherwise.

Brands, buyers and other users remain responsible for conducting their own appropriate due diligence before entering into a commercial relationship with a manufacturer.

7. Publication of Manufacturer Profiles

By joining IFWT, you acknowledge that information designated for your public manufacturer profile may be published on the IFWT website and made available through its search and directory functions.

You authorise IFWT to display this information for the purposes of:

promoting your manufacturing business;
enabling users to search for manufacturers;
promoting UK manufacturing;
communicating the capabilities of the UK manufacturing sector; and
promoting the IFWT programme and platform.

Certain information submitted during the application or verification process may be kept private and used only for administration, verification or programme purposes.

8. Images, Logos and Other Content

You retain ownership of content you submit to IFWT.

By uploading photographs, logos, videos, documents, written descriptions or other material intended for publication, you grant IFWT a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to use, reproduce, display, format and publish that content for the operation and reasonable promotion of the IFWT platform and your profile.

You confirm that:

you own the content or have permission to use it;
its use by IFWT will not infringe another person’s intellectual property, privacy or other legal rights; and
where individuals are identifiable in photographs or other media, you have any permissions reasonably required for the proposed use.

You remain responsible for content you submit.

9. Prohibited Content and Conduct

Members must not use IFWT to:

provide false or deliberately misleading information;
impersonate another person or business;
infringe intellectual property rights;
upload unlawful, defamatory, discriminatory or offensive content;
upload malicious software or attempt to compromise platform security;
obtain information through unauthorised automated scraping or data harvesting;
interfere with the operation of the platform;
use information obtained through IFWT for unlawful purposes; or
act in a way that could reasonably damage the integrity or reputation of the platform or its users.

10. Changes to Profiles

IFWT may contact members where information appears incomplete, inaccurate, inconsistent or outdated.

We may temporarily hide, amend or remove content where reasonably necessary, including where:

information is demonstrably inaccurate;
information is materially outdated;
supporting evidence has expired;
content infringes third-party rights;
information may be unlawful;
a complaint has been received requiring investigation; or
continued publication could materially undermine the integrity of the platform.

Where appropriate, we will seek to contact the member before or following such action.

11. Membership and Removal

A member may request removal of their profile or closure of their account by contacting IFWT.

IFWT may suspend or terminate membership where a member:

materially breaches these Terms;
repeatedly provides inaccurate or misleading information;
fails to maintain required eligibility;
misuses the platform;
fails to provide reasonably requested verification information;
engages in unlawful conduct connected with the platform; or
acts in a way that presents a material risk to other users or the integrity of IFWT.

Where appropriate, we will give the member an opportunity to respond before making a final decision.

12. Relationship Between Manufacturers and Buyers

IFWT provides a platform to help businesses discover and connect with one another.

Unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing, IFWT:

is not acting as an agent for manufacturers or buyers;
does not negotiate contracts on behalf of platform members;
is not a party to agreements subsequently entered into between users;
does not guarantee that enquiries will result in orders;
does not guarantee the suitability of one user for another; and
is not responsible for the performance of contracts entered into between users.

Commercial arrangements arising from introductions through IFWT are agreements between the relevant parties.

Each party should undertake appropriate commercial, legal, technical and compliance due diligence before entering into an agreement.

13. No Guarantee or Endorsement

Inclusion on the IFWT platform means that a manufacturer has been accepted onto the platform in accordance with the processes applicable at the relevant time.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, inclusion does not constitute a warranty, certification or guarantee by IFWT regarding a manufacturer’s:

financial standing;
product quality;
manufacturing performance;
employment practices;
legal compliance;
ethical compliance;
environmental performance;
certifications;
capacity;
delivery performance; or
suitability for a particular contract.

Users should independently verify information relevant to their requirements.

14. Availability of the Platform

We aim to maintain a reliable and useful platform but cannot guarantee that the website or every feature will always be available without interruption.

We may update, improve, suspend or change features where reasonably necessary for technical, security, legal or operational reasons.

15. Intellectual Property

The IFWT name, branding, website design, database structure, original written content and other materials created for the platform are protected by applicable intellectual property laws.

Nothing in these Terms transfers ownership of IFWT intellectual property to a member.

Members may not reproduce or commercially exploit IFWT content or branding without prior permission, except where permitted by law.

16. Use of IFWT Branding

Membership does not automatically grant permission to describe a business as “approved”, “certified”, “accredited” or otherwise guaranteed by IFWT.

Any IFWT membership mark, logo or branding made available to members must be used in accordance with any brand or usage guidance provided by IFWT.

Permission to use IFWT branding may be withdrawn if membership ends or the branding is misused.

17. Website Content

We take reasonable care in maintaining information provided directly by IFWT.

However, much of the manufacturer information appearing on the platform is supplied by participating businesses.

To the extent permitted by law, we do not guarantee that all website content will always be complete, accurate or current.

18. External Websites

The platform may contain links to third-party websites.

IFWT does not control third-party websites and is not responsible for their content, availability, security or privacy practices.

A link does not necessarily constitute endorsement by IFWT.

19. Liability

Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability where it would be unlawful to do so.

Subject to applicable law, IFWT will not be responsible for indirect or consequential losses arising solely from:

reliance on information supplied by another platform member;
commercial arrangements entered into between platform users;
temporary website unavailability;
third-party websites or services; or
unauthorised use of an account where the user has failed to take reasonable steps to protect their credentials.

Nothing in this section affects any rights or remedies that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.

20. Data Protection

Personal information collected through IFWT will be processed in accordance with the IFWT Privacy Policy.

Members must also comply with applicable data-protection law when using personal information obtained through the platform.

Information obtained from IFWT must not be collected, used or processed unlawfully.

21. Communications

We may contact members about matters necessary to administer their account or participation in IFWT, including:

application progress;
verification;
profile updates;
security;
changes affecting the service;
relevant opportunities connected with membership; and
changes to these Terms.

Marketing communications will be handled separately in accordance with applicable law and our Privacy Policy.

22. Changes to These Terms

We may amend these Terms where reasonably necessary to reflect changes to:

the IFWT platform;
membership arrangements;
technology;
programme requirements;
security;
applicable law or regulation; or
the services available to members.

The latest Terms will be published on the IFWT website.

Where changes materially affect existing members’ rights or obligations, we will take reasonable steps to notify affected members.

23. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

The courts of England and Wales will have jurisdiction in relation to disputes arising from these Terms, subject to any mandatory legal rights that apply.

24. Contact

Questions regarding these Terms can be sent to:

In Factories We Trust
Unit 3 Curzon Works, Curzon Street, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE1 2HH
info@infactorieswetrust.com