The UK government announced on 18 September 2026 that it would continue funding BFC NEWGEN, the British Fashion Council's talent support scheme, with £1 million pledged to each of the next three rounds (2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29), for a stated total of £3 million. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has supported the scheme, run by the British Fashion Council since 1993, since 2023; the release said the support would now be extended until 2029.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the funding aimed to nurture the next generation of home-grown talent. The release said BFC NEWGEN has supported more than 400 designers since 1993, including Alexander McQueen, Jonathan Anderson and Simone Rocha, and offers financial support, mentoring and the chance to show collections at London Fashion Week.

Creative Industries Minister Ian Murray attended a showcase by 2026/27 recipient Francesca Lake to mark the announcement. BFC chief executive Laura Weir welcomed the multi-year commitment, citing the programme's impact on commercial growth and international visibility for designer businesses.