Deirdre Williams is the founder of Stitch Saves 9, and brings over two decades of experience in the fashion and retail industry to the client. A graduate of Nottingham Trent University with a degree in Fashion & Textiles, Deirdre started her career as a buyer, rising to senior positions with well known high-street retailers in the UK and Ireland. After the birth of her three children, Deirdre returned to her hometown of Derry, where she managed the Fashion & Textile Design Centre, with sustainable business and skills  development at the heart of operations. Deirdre has also played a pivotal role in local Council start-up mentoring programmes across Northern Ireland, supporting both new and established businesses and organisations. Passionate about sustainable fashion, she has contributed to the Textiles 2030 initiative, working on circular design, circular business models, and strategies to close the loop on fast fashion. Deirdre has recently joined the board of Repair & Share Foyle and will be taking the lead on sustainable textiles within the CIC. Her extensive industry knowledge and commitment to sustainability make her a trusted adviser and advocate for responsible business practices in fashion and retail.