FEL CEO Waves the Flag High For UK Manufacturing at Source Fashion

Fashion-Enter Ltd (FEL) waved the flag high for UK manufacturing at the opening day of Source Fashion, with FEL exhibiting the event and CEO Jenny Holloway taking to the main stage for a thought-provoking panel discussion on the future of UK manufacturing. 

Joining Suzanne Ellingham, Event Director at Hyve Group, and Salli Deighton, Founder of LaundRe, Jenny participated in The Reality of Manufacturing in the UK, a candid conversation exploring both the opportunities and challenges facing Britain’s garment manufacturing sector.

The discussion challenged long-held misconceptions surrounding the cost and capacity of UK production, highlighting how agile British manufacturers are enabling brands to respond faster to market demand while delivering greater transparency, flexibility and more sustainable production solutions.

Reflecting on the session, Jenny said: “There is so much opportunity in UK manufacturing. We have the skills, the flexibility and the ability to respond quickly to trends, yet too many businesses still believe it’s not possible. We need to start making more noise about what this sector can do.”

The panel resonated strongly with the audience, with many attendees approaching Jenny afterwards to thank her for speaking openly about the realities facing the sector.

“It was a brutally honest discussion,” she explained. “After the event, so many people came up to me simply to thank me for being honest and transparent. Those conversations are important if we’re going to move the industry forward.”

The panel was structured around three key themes, beginning with the advantages of manufacturing in the UK. Jenny highlighted the qualities that continue to make British production highly competitive, including flexibility, speed to market, fast-track development, one-piece flow manufacturing, made-to-order production and complete supply chain transparency. These strengths allow UK manufacturers to support brands seeking responsive, lower-risk production models while reducing overproduction and improving sustainability.

As consumer demand shifts towards more responsible fashion and shorter lead times, UK manufacturers are increasingly well positioned to deliver the agility brands require.

The conversation then turned to one of the industry’s biggest challenges: the fragmented nature of support for UK garment manufacturing.

Jenny spoke candidly about the lack of collaboration between trade bodies and industry organisations, suggesting that greater alignment is essential if the sector is to thrive.

Recent comments regarding the British Fashion Council (BFC) have generated discussion across the industry, but Jenny was keen to clarify her position.

“I absolutely believe the UK needs the British Fashion Council to support the incredible creative talent we have in this country,” she said. “What I’m questioning is the lack of acknowledgement, collaboration and engagement with the garment manufacturing sector.”

Jenny questioned why international manufacturing engagement has taken precedence over stronger relationships with UK factories.

“I would love Laura Weir to come to Leicester so I can introduce her to some of the incredible manufacturers we have here. I’ve been trying to arrange a meeting with the BFC since April because I genuinely believe there is an opportunity to work together.”

She also acknowledged the positive support Fashion-Enter Ltd recently received from the British Fashion Council during an intellectual property issue.

“They were fantastic in supporting us during that situation, and I want to recognise that. My comments are never personal. I’m simply championing the Made in the UK agenda because I believe our manufacturing sector deserves far greater recognition.”

The final part of the discussion focused on practical solutions for strengthening UK manufacturing.

Among the ideas discussed were developing trusted industry resources, creating stronger procurement frameworks that encourage UK sourcing, and improving collaboration across the sector.

Jenny also proposed the possibility of establishing a new collaborative trade body or industry forum that brings together manufacturers, brands, educators and existing organisations under one shared vision.

She suggested that Source Fashion, under the leadership of Suzanne Ellingham, is well placed to help facilitate those conversations and become a catalyst for greater industry unity.

The discussion concluded with a clear message: the UK possesses the skills, infrastructure and expertise to build a stronger domestic fashion manufacturing industry, but unlocking its full potential will require greater collaboration, stronger advocacy and a collective commitment to championing British production.

As Fashion-Enter Ltd continues to support brands through ethical, transparent and agile UK manufacturing, its presence at Source Fashion reinforced both the opportunities available today and the important conversations that will shape the industry’s future.