Onshoring Discussions in Parliament
18-02-2026
Newsletter 18th February 2026
Onshoring Fashion & Textiles Debated in Parliament
Last Thursday 12th February a Westminster Hall debate led by Catherine West (pictured above from ParliamentLive.tv), placed onshoring firmly on the political agenda, positioning UK fashion and textiles as both an economic opportunity and an ethical priority.
MPs cited the potential to add £3.1bn to GDP, create 64,000 jobs and generate £1.2bn in tax revenues through stronger domestic production, supported by the Procurement Act 2023. Public sector uniform contracts for the armed forces and NHS were highlighted as immediate opportunities to back local, responsible manufacturers. Shockat Adam reinforced Leicester’s end-to-end garment capability while acknowledging the work needed to rebuild trust, with cross-party contributions from Sarah Olney and a response from Chris Bryant, who confirmed £4.3bn in manufacturing support and signalled a review of procurement practices.
FEL was directly referenced, with Adam highlighting his visit to the Leicester site with CEO Jenny Holloway as proof that ethical, transparent UK manufacturing is already delivering from live training programmes to clear employment pathways. Community organisations including Wesley Hall were recognised for strengthening skills at grassroots level, while long-standing advocate Baroness Lola Young was thanked for her sustained campaigning. For Leicester and the wider UK fashion and textile sector, the debate marks a pivotal moment with meaningful change now dependent on swift government action to turn discussion into delivery.
Tap here to read more on this story and here to read MP Catherine West’s article on the topic
Leicester United: SMEs Call for Fair Access
The same day, senior Leicester manufacturers met at Phoenix House for a joint roundtable hosted by the Apparel and Textile Manufacturers Federation and FEL. With the Office of the Small Business Commissioner and the Department for Business & Trade in attendance, discussions focused on one key question: how can SMEs be better supported?
Late payments, reputational challenges and barriers to public procurement dominated the agenda. With £400bn in annual government contracts available, manufacturers called for smaller contract lots, stronger payment enforcement and fairer access. A proposed sector-wide LLP to strengthen collective bidding power was agreed in principle. The message: Leicester has the skills and speed now it needs structural reform to unlock growth.
Jenny commented: “I can’t express how proud I was today to represent the manufacturers, suppliers and designers from Leicester! It’s time for Leicester to stand tall and proud!
“Thank you to Emma Jones and the team from Department for Business and Trade; your guidance and supportive motivational comments were very well received.
“This meeting coincided with the backbenchers debate in Westminster today, tabled by Catherine West MP for UK onshoring – it is time to meet the right decision makers and trial public contracts!”
BBC Radio 4: Reshoring Goes National
Following the debate, FEL featured on Today in Parliament on BBC Radio 4, bringing the reshoring conversation to a national audience. Broadcasting from our north London factory, Jenny Holloway outlined FEL’s ethical small-to-medium batch model, skills academy and repair partnerships with global brands including Patagonia and Lululemon.
The key question: why can’t more of the UK’s £400bn public procurement budget, including military uniforms, support domestic manufacturers? Onshoring is no longer just about cost, but resilience and national security.
This interview is available to listen to on BBC Sounds, tap here – until 15th March 2026
Support Starts with Interaction – Join Us For Leicester Made and Regions this April
Leicester Made & Regions takes place on Friday 24th 2026 at The Venue@DMU for a dynamic trade event celebrating Made in the UK manufacturing. Bringing together suppliers, brands, manufacturers, educators and industry leaders, the event shines a spotlight on innovation, skills development and ethical British production. Designed to connect the full supply chain with conscious consumers and forward-thinking retailers, Leicester Made & Regions continues to champion transparency, local sourcing and the strength of regional manufacturing across the UK.
To support exhibitors and visitors travelling to Leicester, a range of discounted hotel rates has been secured at centrally located venues including Novotel & Adagio Leicester, The Gresham Aparthotel and Holiday Inn Leicester. With strong demand anticipated, early booking is highly recommended to secure the best rates. To find out more tap here.
For event or exhibitor enquiries, please contact beth@fashion-enter.com
Taking Place This Week…
ISAIC X BFC Supply Chain Exchange Workshop
Jenny will be joining an exclusive industry work session today, 18th February in London. Held under Chatham House Rules, the facilitated session will bring together carefully selected leaders for an open, solutions-focused dialogue addressing the real and pressing challenges within apparel. Designed as a forward-looking, collaborative forum, not a complaint space, the afternoon will move from reflection to practical next steps, ensuring participants leave with shared direction, renewed momentum and actionable outcomes for positive industry impact.
Walthamstow Job Fair
Today, FEL’s educational arm, Fashion Technology Academy, is at the Walthamstow Job Fair at Walthamstow Library to discuss career pathways, courses and options for those interested in the fashion sector.
Half Term Free Taster Workshop For 16-18-year-olds – Friday 20th February
To celebrate our free Level 3 fashion course, we are having a taster day for 16-18-year-olds during the half-term break. We will teach you how to sew and upcycle your own clothes, learn to thread and use various industrial machines, and get you started on making your own clothes.
If you are interested in fashion but unsure where to start this is the ideal opportunity. Join us Friday 20th February from 10am to 4pm at the FC Designer Workspace on Durham Road. Our friendly team will be available to guide you on the best path.
To attend this free session please register here. Can’t make this date? More sessions are available in April and May.
Free Online Masterclass – Tomorrow
Our next 1-hour masterclass, What is Traceability in Fashion, takes place tomorrow, Thursday 19th February, will explore why transparency is now essential for trust, credibility and brand growth. Drawing on decades of ethical manufacturing experience, the masterclass will break down how to map and communicate your supply chain with confidence, including a live introduction to Galaxius, a powerful tool for showcasing sourcing, production and sustainability in a clear, credible way.
To find out more and confirm your place please register here and a Zoom link will be emailed to you.
After Work Drop In Sewing Session – 19th February
The first of our after work, drop in sewing sessions will take place at the FC Designer Workspace tomorrow evening, 19th February. As requested by participants on our previous short courses, these sessions offers the chance to work on your own projects in a supportive and fully equipped environment.
The session takes place from 5.30 – 8pm, to find out more and book tap here
London Fashion Week 19th – 23rd February
London Fashion Week commences tomorrow, 19th February, and established attendees will know that an early slot on Day 1 is usually synonymous with Paul Costelloe. This season marks the first collection under William Costelloe as Creative Director and he will no doubt do his dad proud as he continues to champion creativity, quality and craftsmanship.
At the Fashion Studio in Haringey we have been working with several LFW brands (that can’t be named due to non-disclosure agreements) and we wish them, and those that are taking part a positive and successful season. More on LFW next week.
Courses Workshops and Masterclasses
Roll-on courses:
Available at all campuses Islington, Haringey and Leicester.
Diploma in Fashion Design and Business
Drop-In Sewing:
19th February – After work drop in Sewing – FC Designer Workspace – £20 + eventbrite fee
Smocking:
21st February – Introduction to Smocking – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
Pattern Cutting:
9th March – Introduction to Pattern Making: Skirt and darted bodice block – FTA Haringey – £70 + eventbrite fee
Corset Making:
7th March – Saturday Introduction to Corset Making – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
Repair & Upcycling:
24th February – Free Repair and Upcycling Drop-In – FC Designer Collective shop – free
Free Business Masterclass Online:
19th February – What is Traceability in Fashion – Free Online Masterclass 10am – 11am (register your place and a Zoom link will be emailed closer to the date)
For all course enquiries contact: education@fashion-enter.com or call 0208 809 3311
This Week on FashionCapital…
MP Catherine West Pushes The Reshoring Agenda For Fashion and Textiles
And Finally…From Catwalk to Classroom
At the weekend, 15th February, Jenny Holloway and Head of Education Lan Leeder were invited to the vibrant London Terno Ball to see international designer and visiting tutor John Herrera’s designs featured on the catwalk. Designs included his striking Augilia Collection, featuring the iconic sculptural Terno butterfly sleeve, celebrated Filipino heritage through contemporary craftsmanship. John is proof that technical excellence and creative vision can sit side by side on the catwalk and in the classroom. And having such a skilled designer guiding the next generation of talent at the FTA is something we are immensely proud of.
John has classes coming up in pattern cutting, corset making, smocking and more. Tap here to view all the classes.
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital / Fashion-Enter Ltd
