Leicester Made Goes National with New UK Roadshow
20-05-2026
Newsletter 20th May 2026
Breaking News: Source Fashion X FEL To Launch Leicester Made & Regions Nationwide Roadshow
Following the huge success of Leicester Made & Regions in April, Source Fashion is partnering with Fashion-Enter Ltd, and the ATMF, to launch a new series of regional UK roadshows designed to reconnect buyers with British manufacturers, strengthen regional sourcing networks and support the future of domestic fashion and textile manufacturing.
Starting in Manchester later this year, the roadshows will bring together manufacturers, mills, brands and industry leaders to strengthen regional supply chains, spotlight UK manufacturing excellence and create new opportunities for collaboration, visibility and growth across the sector.
Suzanne Ellingham, Event Director of Source Fashion, said: “For us, this partnership is about creating practical opportunities for those manufacturers to be seen, build relationships and win business within their own regions, while also helping connect the wider industry back together. There are brilliant manufacturers, mills and specialists across Manchester, Yorkshire, Scotland and other parts of the UK, but too often those regional ecosystems operate in isolation. The opportunity is to have local forums where manufacturers can come together and share insight and also to understand how to leverage some of the wins that Leicester is making in public procurement.”
Jenny Holloway, Founder and CEO Fashion-Enter & Chair ATMF added: “Over the last twenty years we have been championing the importance of proximity sourcing in garment manufacturing today. There is a myth that we have lost our production skills in the UK, and this is wholly incorrect! There are excellent manufacturers in this country, and the new Road Shows will prove beyond doubt that the UK has proud heritage factories that are open for public procurement contracts and working with the big retail brands of today. Our partnership with Source Fashion has grown tremendously over the last two years; Source Fashion cares about the UK factories and now we are in a strong position to highlight the very best of ethical quality production in the UK today. Thank you Source Fashion!”
More on the roadshow will be announced in due course.
Tap here to read the full press release.
Register For Source Fashion 7th – 9th July 2026
The momentum behind UK manufacturing continues to build as Source Fashion prepares to significantly expand its British Pavilion at the July 2026 edition of the show, taking place at ExCeL London from 7th – 9th July 2026.
In a major signal of confidence for the domestic apparel sector, UK manufacturers are set to become the second-largest country presence at the exhibition after China, with between 40 – 45 British manufacturers and businesses expected to exhibit. The expansion comes in direct response to growing visitor demand for more localised, agile and transparent sourcing solutions, as brands increasingly seek closer-to-home production partners capable of delivering speed, flexibility and responsible manufacturing practices.
Among the returning exhibitors championing UK manufacturing will be Fashion-Enter Ltd alongside the Apparel & Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF), which will once again exhibit at Source Fashion while continuing to advocate for the strength and diversity of British production. ATMF will also showcase a number of Leicester-based suppliers, underlining the city’s enduring importance as a vital hub for UK garment manufacturing.
Tap here to find out more about exhibiting or visiting Source Fashion July 2026.
Free Creative Workshops This Mend It May
Tuesday 26th May – Free Repair & Upcycling Drop-In Session at the FC Designer Collective shop, 113-115, Fonthill Road, London N4. Open to the community these bi-monthly drop-in sessions are supported by Islington Council to encourage repair and reuse.
Tuesday 26th May – At the Fashion Hub, King Street, Leicester, a special Repair & Upcycling Workshop to give participants the opportunity to develop technical skills, creative ideas and sustainable approaches that can be integrated into their own practice or business.
Plus, the ReFAB Studio X FEL workshops continue at the FC Designer Workspace in Islington. Supported by The Clothworkers’ Company, these free sessions bring the community together to learn upcycling techniques using luxury reclaimed fabrics. Participants create lifestyle products including cushion covers, make-up bags and totes while developing green skills, confidence and wellbeing. These free public workshops continue throughout the summer until September. The next session will take place Friday 12th June.
To find out more about the workshops and register your place please visit our eventbrite page.
Apprenticeships Provide Work Ready Skills Needed By The Industry
Fashion-Enter Ltd (FEL) is proud to celebrate a 100% success rate with their NEXT apprentices completing the Level 4 Fashion & Textiles Product Technologist Apprenticeship.
Recently awarded the King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainability, FEL and its Fashion Technology Academy continue to lead the way in industry-led training. As the only academy in the UK operating within a live ethical audited factory producing for leading high street brands, FEL provides apprentices with hands-on experience in real manufacturing environments from day one.
With over 15 years’ experience delivering high-quality apprenticeships, FEL has supported workforce development for brands including Chanel, NEXT, ASOS, Marks & Spencer, Mountain Warehouse, New Look and Lyle & Scott.
From Level 2 Sewing Machinist programmes to Level 4 Product Technologist apprenticeships, FEL helps businesses develop vital technical and garment technology skills while benefiting from government-funded training, reduced recruitment costs and improved staff retention.
As technical skills shortages continue across the industry, apprenticeships offer a powerful way for brands to future-proof their workforce while supporting the growth of UK fashion manufacturing.
To discuss apprenticeship opportunities for your business contact: training@fashion-enter.com
Learn more at: https://fcfta.com/employers/ for more on employing an apprentice.
Launch Your Creative Future with the New UAL Level 3 Diploma at FTA Islington
Did you know the FTA Islington campus will run a UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Creative Practice starting this September. This 1-year, full-time course gives students an in-depth introduction to the creative industries. The qualification provides students with the necessary industry relevant skills, knowledge, and understanding to access appropriate entry level roles, training programmes or apprenticeships in the creative sector, or apply for progression to related higher education courses.
The course blends practical workshops with industry-standard techniques, research-driven projects, and opportunities to build confident presentation skills, the programme equips students with everything they need to thrive in the world of art and design.
Tap on the link to find out more about the course, if you would like to meet the team, ask questions, visit the campus and try out the equipment upcoming Open Days will be held on:
All between 10am–2pm, FC Designer Workspace, 9 Durham Road, Islington, London, N7 7FB. Early registration is advised as places are limited.
Discussing the 3 Levels of Waste
Last Monday, FEL and Telestia hosted a highly engaging free online masterclass, Fashion’s Disgrace – Waste Mountains and How to Make Sure Your Brand is Waste Free, bringing together students, emerging brands and industry professionals to tackle one of fashion’s biggest challenges — waste. Led by Jenny Holloway, CEO of Fashion-Enter Ltd, alongside Anastasia Vouyouka from Telestia, the session explored waste across the entire fashion lifecycle, from pre-production inefficiencies and over-sampling to production waste, consumer behaviour and future sustainability legislation. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, the masterclass highlighted practical solutions, innovation and the growing demand for more sustainable fashion practices.
To find out more about Fashion-Enter Ltd’s sampling and production services contact: thefashionstudio@fashion-enter.com
To learn more about Telestia visit: https://www.etelestia.com/
UDGN Creative Futures Summit 2026: Where Fashion Meets Enterprise
The UDGN Creative Futures Summit 2026 takes place on Monday 15th June at London College of Fashion, bringing together over 150 emerging creatives, founders and fashion industry professionals for a full day of networking, industry insight and career opportunities. Focused on connecting creativity with commercial success, the summit will feature panel discussions, live demonstrations and the exciting UDGN Pitch Competition, offering a £5,000 prize fund and London Fashion Week opportunities. Fashion-Enter Ltd continues to support emerging talent through product development mentoring led by Claire Solley.
Date: Monday 15th June 2026
Time: 10:00 – 18:00
Location: London College of Fashion, 105 Carpenters Road, London E20 2AR
Courses Workshops and Masterclasses
Roll-on courses:
Available at all campuses Islington, Haringey and Leicester.
UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Creative Practice
1 & 2 Day Courses and Workshops
23rd May – Saturday Pattern Cutting Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
26th May – Free Repair & Upcycling Drop In Session – FC Designer Collective shop – Free please register
26th May – Mend It May Repair & Upcycling Session – FTA Fashion Hub, Phoenix House, Leicester – Free
30th May – Saturday Corset Making Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
6th June – Saturday Draping Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
12th June – Free ReFAB X FEL Upcycling Community Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – Free, please register
More courses for the coming weeks can be found here.
For all course enquiries contact: education@fashion-enter.com or call 0208 809 3311
This Week on FashionCapital…
Burberry’s British Heritage Strategy Ignites Fashion Turnaround
And Finally…
Congratulations to FTA tutors Puja Singh in Leicester and Louisa Christodoulou in London, who have successfully completed their two-day Mental Health First Aider Adult course. The training equips participants with the skills to recognise signs of common mental health challenges, respond appropriately and provide supportive reassurance to those in distress. Their achievement further strengthens FEL’s ongoing commitment to wellbeing, support and creating a positive learning environment for all.
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital / Fashion-Enter Ltd
