Leicester’s Manufacturers Are Owed An Apology!
12-11-2025
Newsletter 12th November 2025
Operation Tacit Report Reveals Exaggerated Exploitation Claims
The long-awaited Lessons Learned from Operation Tacit report, presented to Parliament by Director of Labour Market Enforcement Margaret Beels, has found that claims of widespread worker exploitation and “modern slavery” in Leicester’s garment industry were significantly overstated. The untold harm of inflammatory rhetoric in press and TV documentaries has resulted in retailers and brands leaving Leicester with concerns of reputational damage. Now the evidence is here for all to review.
FEL CEO and ATMF Chair Jenny Holloway commented: “These are hardworking, skilled, ethical factories that have been penalised unnecessarily – they are owed an apology.
“Let the Labour Party now recognise the might of UK manufacturers and support us with public procurement for PPE and uniforms. Let’s move forward to rebuild confidence in Made in the UK manufacturing.”
To read more about the Operation Tacit report tap here.
Fixing the Foundations for a Fairer Future
Last week, the “Fair Work and Supply Chains in the UK Garment Industry” event at Leicester’s Highfields Community Centre revealed the unreasonable practices faced by suppliers within the UK fashion sector. Research presented by Transform Trade revealed that major brands frequently impose sudden order changes and shifting costs onto manufacturers with 67% of suppliers reporting that brands refuse to cover extra expenses, and over 30% penalised for delays caused by those same brand changes. Tightened lead times, lengthened payment terms, and unpredictable cancellations have left suppliers bearing increased financial risk while struggling to maintain stable employment for their workers.
Many now face costly audits demanded by brands, which 100% of suppliers pay for, yet only a fraction receive ongoing business in return. These practices force manufacturers to absorb risks and expenses while brands maintain control and profit, perpetuating instability throughout the supply chain.
Calls from academics and industry leaders at the event stressed the urgent need for stronger enforcement, fairer purchasing frameworks, and a “Fashion Watchdog” to hold major retailers accountable and protect both suppliers and workers.
For more on this story tap here.
Taking Place Next Week…
London School and College Leaver Festival 2025
For those leaving school or college next year the London School and College Leaver Festival presents a two-day, fully interactive and immersive event.
Need inspiration and careers guidance? The festival will include over 120 exhibitors/supporters from across the UK and including employers, training providers, FE, HE and professional bodies – and that includes FEL’s Fashion Technology Academy.
The event is free and will take place at ExCel in London, to find out more visit: https://lsclfest.co.uk/
Fashion SVP 18 & 19th November
Fashion SVP at Olympia London brings together a dynamic mix of international manufacturers under one roof, offering buyers an opportunity to connect directly with top-tier suppliers. From fashion and sportswear to formal attire and hosiery, the event showcases a wide range of high-quality products, helping brands find the perfect production partners without leaving London.
Attendees can network face-to-face with global sourcing professionals, manufacturers, and gain practical insights through expert-led talks and panels. With the chance to see, feel, and evaluate products firsthand.
Tap here to find out more.
FC’s Free 1-Hour Zoom Masterclass – Friday 21st November
On Friday 21st November at 10am this months masterclass will discuss: The Secrets Behind Cost – Effective Sampling and Production for Aspiring Brands and Designers.
Sampling and production are critical aspects of bringing a fashion design to life, but they can also be challenging and costly for start-up brands and designers. In this hour-long masterclass, we will unveil the secrets to cost-effective sampling and production, empowering participants with practical strategies to streamline their processes and optimise their resources.
Through five comprehensive sections, aspiring fashion entrepreneurs will gain valuable insights and expert knowledge to navigate the complexities of sampling and production, ensuring efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
To join this free, 1-hour session click here to register. A Zoom link will be emailed closer to the date.
Courses Workshops and Masterclasses
Roll-on courses:
Available at all campuses Islington, Haringey and Leicester.
Diploma in Fashion Design and Business
Introduction to Draping:
29th November – 1-Day Introduction to Draping – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
Corset Making:
15th November – Saturday Introduction to Corset Making – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
Fabric Manipulation and Textile Embellishment:
21st November – 1-Day Fabric Manipulation and Textile Embellishment Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
Fashion Illustration:
22nd November – 1-Day Fashion Illustration for Beginners Saturday Class – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
Repair & Upcycling:
25th November – Free Repair and Upcycling Drop-In – FC Designer Collective shop – free
For all course enquiries contact: education@fashion-enter.com or call 0208 809 3311
This Week on FashionCapital…
Tonight Drapers will reveal their 2025 Fashion Supplier of the Year!
Double Award Recognition for Fashion – Enter Ltd this November
And Finally…
At the FC Designer Collective shop on Fonthill Road we are thrilled to stock pieces from upcycled and sustainable brand – Atelier Macleod. Earlier in the year the Fashion Hub Leicester supported Atelier Macleod with successful small-batch production of their latest upcycled, cropped t-shirt collection. The results, as you can see, look fantastic, and the designs have been selling well online and at the recent Good Clothes Show in Manchester.
Come and visit our shop FC Designer Collective, 113-115 Fonthill Road, London N4 3HH. Opening days / hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 – 17:00.
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital/Fashion-Enter Ltd
