A small local business and a public authority have been fighting a trade mark dispute over a fashion show while Knutsford residents face increasing council tax bills. But how much has the dispute cost taxpayers?
What is the actual cost to the public? How much did Knutsford Town Council’s week-long fashion event cost? What income or financial return did it generate for taxpayers? What records exist around the development, rebranding and promotion of the event? And who were the key players involved?
A Freedom of Information request published on WhatDoTheyKnow has been submitted to Knutsford Town Council, seeking disclosure of how much public money has been spent on its week-long programme of fashion shows and how much the resulting trade mark dispute has cost taxpayers.
The request asks the Council to disclose how public money is being spent and whether hundreds of pounds of public money were spent on the rebranding and marketing campaign that changed “Knutsford Flash Fashion” to “Knutsford Fashion Week”. Detailed information is also requested about marketing expenses, advertising, and promotion expenses, and the event’s income, sponsorships, and business participation fees.
It also seeks disclosure of the total public funds paid or payable in legal fees and costs in connection with the trade mark proceedings involving Cheshire Fashion Week Ltd.
The questions come at a time when Knutsford householders face increases in their council tax bills, placing renewed focus on how public money is being spent and what financial return council funded activities deliver for the local community.
The question is straightforward. How much public money has been spent promoting a Council organised weeklong fashion show event, how much has the resulting legal dispute with Cheshire Fashion Week Ltd cost taxpayers, and what financial return has the event delivered for the Knutsford Town Council?
While Knutsford Town Council highlights £4,480 raised for local charities through its fundraising events and promotes Knutsford Fashion Week 2026, another question remains. How much public money is being spent on staff costs, marketing and mounting legal costs to fight a trade mark dispute with a small independent local business over a fashion show, and who is behind this decision?
The full Freedom of Information request is publicly available, allowing residents to read exactly what information has been requested and follow the Council’s response.
Read the full Freedom of Information request
The Council’s response is awaited.
