Big News for British Textiles!
10-12-2025
Newsletter 10th December 2025
Introducing the UK’s First National Textile Quality Mark
A powerful new alliance – The Garment and Textile Workers Trust, the ATMF consortium, Fashion-Enter Ltd, De Montfort University, and an additional partner (to be announced shortly), has just unveiled a landmark initiative to put the UK back on the global map for textile excellence.
For the first time ever, the UK is developing a national Textile Quality Mark: a trusted standard that celebrates ethical production, low-carbon manufacturing, technical innovation and exceptional British craftsmanship.
After years of offshoring, shifting global conditions, rising tariffs and growing demand for transparent, sustainable supply chains are creating a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring production home. This initiative answers the Chancellor’s call to “make, sell and buy more in Britain.”
The Consortium will design, test and pilot the new Quality Mark across UK mills, factories and workshops—working closely with leading retailers and brands to prove its commercial power and real-world impact.
What the Quality Mark will champion:
- Ethical, safe working conditions
- Environmentally sustainable, low-carbon manufacturing
- Technical innovation
- Quality, durability and world-class craft
Kevin McKeever, Chair of the Trust, calls it “an investment in people, in skills, and in a fairer future for British manufacturing.”
Jenny Holloway, CEO at FEL and Chair of ATMF, adds: “This gives buyers a trusted signal of excellence—and a reason to invest in British-made goods.”
Why You Can’t Afford to Miss Leicester Made & Regions 2026
Leicester Made & Regions 2026 is a critical moment for anyone working across the UK fashion and textile supply chain. Taking place on 24th & 25th April at The Venue at De Montfort University, the event brings together manufacturers, suppliers, designers, retailers, educators and innovators to strengthen onshore production and accelerate the shift toward ethical, transparent and tech-driven UK manufacturing.
With Day 1 dedicated exclusively to industry, it offers an essential platform to source new partners, explore cutting-edge technologies and hear from leaders shaping the future of retail, sustainability and policy.
Day 2 opens the doors to the public, giving consumers a chance to buy British-made products and take part in hands-on repair and reuse activities but for businesses, the real opportunity lies in engaging early, showcasing capability and connecting with the growing demand for UK-made.
Leicester Made & Regions champions regional skills, builds stronger local and national supply networks and highlights why now is the moment for industry to lean in and lead the UK’s manufacturing revival.
To find at more and register visit:
Friday 24th April Day 1 Industry
Saturday 25th April Day 2 Consumer
Interested in exhibiting? Contact: beth@fashion-enter.com
Free Online Masterclass 18th December with Caroline Trend
Caroline Trend, a highly experienced Fashion Design & Product Development Consultant with over 30 years in the industry, has worked with leading high-street retailers, brands and UK manufacturers, as well as running her own micro-factory. Through her consultancy, Rosebudd Design, she supports new and emerging designers with collection development, factory-ready tech packs, sourcing, and navigating the full production process.
Passionate about strengthening UK manufacturing and helping designers avoid costly mistakes, Caroline is hosting a free online masterclass on Thursday 18th December, 10–11am, titled “New Designers: How to Work Successfully with UK Factories.”The session will guide designers on how to prepare before approaching a manufacturer and help them build the confidence and clarity needed to bring their ideas to life.
Tap here to find out more and register your place
ATMF Fashion Hub Meeting Builds On Collaboration
The ATMF’s December meeting at the FTA Fashion Hub Leicester brought together garment manufacturers and designers for an afternoon of strong collaboration, key updates and forward planning, highlighting the growing unity and momentum within the city’s textile sector.
Industry members discussed major initiatives shaping early 2026, including preparations for Leicester Made & Regions, progress on ethical manufacturing through the Garment & Textiles Workers Trust, free exhibitor opportunities at Source Fashion in January, and continued work on skills, funding and public procurement access.
A standout moment was ATMF’s support for two Leicester designers facing hardship, offering them free professional websites through the Leicester Made platform. With a clear “can-do” spirit and renewed commitment to Made in the UK, the meeting reinforced the sector’s shared ambition for growth, resilience and new opportunities in the year ahead.
More From Leicester…
The FTA Fashion Hub in Leicester has had an energising week, with learners trialling with an ethical sourcing company, leading to one participant securing a job offer, while NEXT apprentices enjoyed an insightful site visit to BARRIE Ltd, led by Jackie Bertram and completed a mock test. The latest Skills Bootcamp cohort is progressing strongly, plus key industry figures gathering at the ATMF meeting, reinforcing the Hub’s role as a thriving centre for opportunity, collaboration and sector growth.
Supporting Made in the UK – Source Fashion – 13th-15th January
The ATMF has once again secured free exhibition space for its members at Source Fashion, Europe’s leading sourcing show, taking place at Olympia London from 13th –15th January 2026. This year’s event features a future-focused programme aimed at driving smarter, more ethical and commercially resilient practices across the industry. Among the expert speakers is ATMF’s own CEO, Jenny Holloway, who will join Event Director Suzanne Ellingham for a powerful discussion on “How Do We Build Back British Manufacturing?” a timely conversation as demand for UK-made supply chains continues to accelerate.
Source Fashion registration is now open
Free Training Places Available – Starting February
Thanks to a generous donation to the Genuine Fund, we are delighted to offer free places for our upcoming Level 1 Stitching and Level 1 Pattern Cutting programmes starting in February 2026 at the FC Designer Workspace in Islington.
These accredited programmes provide essential skills for anyone looking to begin a career in fashion production or garment construction. Places are first-come, first-served, so early sign-up is encouraged!
To find out more about the courses visit: https://fcfta.com/courses/
And email: education@fashion-enter.com to register
Courses Workshops and Masterclasses
Roll-on courses:
Available at all campuses Islington, Haringey and Leicester.
Diploma in Fashion Design and Business
Fashion Design:
9th, 16th 23rd & 30th January – Fashion Design for Beginners – FC Designer Workspace – £180 + eventbrite fee
Pattern Cutting:
24th Jan – Creative Pattern Cutting: Skirt Adaption – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
Corset Making:
13th December – Saturday Introduction to Corset Making – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
Fashion Illustration:
14th February – 1-Day Fashion Illustration for Beginners Saturday Class – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
Repair & Upcycling:
16th December – 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
Free Business Masterclass Online:
18th December – New Designers: How to Work Successfully with UK Factories – 1 hour free masterclass via Zoom
This Week on FashionCapital…
The EU’s New Directive to Stamp Out Greenwashing: What Fashion Brands Must Know
And Finally…Party Season Has Arrived!
At FEL we have entered into the Christmas spirit – the decorations are up and the annual Christmas party will take place at Haringey HQ, tomorrow (Thursday 11th) with music and games. Earlier this week our CEO attended a celebration at the House of Lords with Caren Downie and our Patron Lord Young as well as indulging in a Christmas cocktail with FC / FEL editor JoJo Iles.
Happy party season all!
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital/Fashion-Enter Ltd
