The British Fashion Council is planning to separate from its parent organisation the British Clothing Industry (BCIA). The split could mean the council has to relocate and move out of its offices as 5 Portland Place.

Hilary Riva, the former Rubicon boss who took over the role as chief executive of the BFC this year, is planning for the BFC to become independent of the BCIA. The BCIA has supported the BFC financially for many years, however the BFC and London Fashion Week had now grown so big it was time for them to go forth separately.

The BFC will continue to be funded by government agencies and sponsors and has secured financial support from Creative London, part of the London Development Agency, until February 2007. The organisation has also signed a three-ear deal with Canon to become headline sponsor of LFW.