ATMF & FEL Secure UK Shared Prosperity Funding to Boost Leicester’s Fashion and Manufacturing Sector
29-08-2025
The Apparel & Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF), in collaboration with leading social enterprise Fashion-Enter Ltd (FEL), is proud to announce a successful bid for funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). The initiative, launching end of August 2025, will deliver a six-month programme aimed at strengthening Leicester’s fashion and textile sector through a series of targeted business support, training, and supply chain development activities.
This collaborative programme will focus on empowering both new and established fashion and textile businesses in Leicester, addressing current challenges, and unlocking new opportunities for growth, innovation, and sustainable enterprise.
Key Activities Include:
- Mapping Industry Needs: Conducting a comprehensive analysis of organisational members and project participants to identify business support gaps and shape a relevant series of masterclasses and interventions.
- Monthly Networking & Masterclass Events: Hosting monthly sessions for Leicester-based fashion and textile businesses, covering key topics to improve business performance, competitiveness, and resilience.
- Workshops for Start-Ups: Tailored masterclasses for individuals aiming to launch new fashion or textile enterprises in Leicester, with practical guidance on setup, compliance, and market access.
- Factory Directory Update: Reviewing and updating the database of live local factories, to be published across Leicester Leading, Leicester Made, and the ATMF platform—enhancing visibility and access to trusted local manufacturing partners.
- Business Support & Supply Chain Development: Providing guidance and signposting for businesses to explore new local markets through both B2B and B2C channels, with a focus on enhancing local supply chain collaboration.
- Quarterly Sample Sale Events: Curated events enabling designers to source from local manufacturers while offering production houses new income streams and direct-to-consumer exposure.
- Annual Leicester Made Fashion & Textile Trade Show (2025–26): A flagship two-day event, with one day dedicated to trade networking and B2B opportunities, and one day for public engagement and retail sales.
This programme is designed to directly benefit Leicester’s manufacturing and creative talent, with a strong emphasis on ethical production, local sourcing, and entrepreneurial support. The partnership between ATMF and Fashion-Enter Ltd reinforces a shared commitment to reviving and future-proofing Leicester’s historic fashion and textile industry.
“This funding represents a vital opportunity to bring businesses together, share skills and knowledge, and reignite the local economy through fashion and manufacturing,” said Jenny Holloway, Chair of ATMF. “It’s about building a stronger, more connected, and sustainable industry that truly supports Leicester’s unique strengths.
“We’re excited to be part of this important initiative. By investing in people, process, and production, we can champion homegrown talent and support the next generation of ethical, skilled manufacturers and designers.”
Join the programme: Leicester Fashion Forward – Networking Meeting
On Tuesday 30th September from 2pm onwards the ATMF / FEL invite all Leicester based suppliers, designers and creatives to come along to the LCB Depot to hear from a line-up of guest speakers that can genuinely support and help your business.
To express your interest please email divya@fashion-enter.com
