2 Weeks To Go!
21-10-2026
Newsletter 21st October 2026
Manchester Made & Regions: Two Weeks to Go – Two Major Industry Voices Announced!
With just two weeks to go until Manchester Made & Regions on Wednesday 4th November, we’re delighted to announce two more industry speakers bringing fresh thinking, bold ideas and real-world experience to the conversation about the future of UK fashion…
Patrick Grant, renowned for BBC’s The Great British Sewing Bee and founder of Community Clothing, is a passionate advocate for British manufacturing, proving that investing in skilled workers, quality production and local supply chains can deliver meaningful impact. Joining him is entrepreneur Scott Wheeler, the creative force behind Hyper Hyper — an ambitious new cultural platform set to bring fashion, music, design, manufacturing and the wider creative industries together in unexpected ways.
Developed by Source Fashion and Fashion-Enter Ltd, with support from ATMF, Manchester Made & Regions is where ambition for UK manufacturing meets action. From getting more orders into British factories and unlocking public procurement opportunities to reimagining how fashion and creativity work together, this is a conversation the industry needs to have now.
Join us at Manchester Hall 4th November to hear from the people challenging convention, creating opportunities and helping shape the next chapter of British fashion and textile manufacturing.
Tap here to register your attendance.
FEL Back in the Spotlight on BBC Politics East Midlands
FEL has once again featured on BBC Politics East Midlands, 18th October 2026 with continued support from Shockat Adam MP. The spotlight is firmly on the need for government contracts to create greater opportunities for British manufacturers. Jenny Holloway, CEO of Fashion-Enter Ltd, spoke about the pressures facing UK factories, including high employment and energy costs, while highlighting the unbeatable advantages of British quality, skills and lead times. The report also visited FEL’s Fashion Technology Academy, showcasing the next generation of talent helping to secure the future of UK manufacturing.
Working alongside the Apparel & Textile Manufacturers Federation, FEL continues to champion fair access to public procurement, responsible production and investment in domestic skills and supply chains. With an estimated £90 billion in government contracts at stake, the message is clear: capable British manufacturers deserve a fair opportunity to compete, and public spending should recognise the wider economic and social value of producing in the UK.
Tap here to view BBC Politics East Midlands – available for 28 days
ATMF Industry Meeting at FTA Leicester
On 20th October, the Apparel & Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF) brought together factories and industry leaders at Fashion-Enter Ltd’s Fashion Technology Academy in Leicester to discuss progress on the Garment & Textile Workers Trust (GTWT) project, Unifying the Voice for Public Procurement Contracts in the UK.
Following 18 months of collaborative work with De Montfort University, Fashion-Enter Ltd, SP&KO Consultancy and Fashion Roundtable, the project is preparing to launch its report at Manchester Made & Regions on 4th November. A key development is the In Factories We Trust website, designed to help buyers and public procurement officers identify manufacturers with the technical capabilities and ethical standards to deliver quality UK production.
The meeting also highlighted the ATMF’s growing consortium of factories, created to help SMEs compete for major public-sector contracts. A significant £60 million Home Office bid for security clothing has been submitted, alongside further procurement opportunities, including an NHS tender.
Guest speakers Suzanne Ellingham, Director at Hyve Group and Source Fashion, and independent consultant Simon Platts joined discussions covering the upcoming Manchester Made & Regions event, opportunities for Leicester factories at Source Fashion in January 2027, and the impact of China’s Decree 834 on supply-chain transparency.
With manufacturers voicing concerns over limited orders, rising business pressures and slow procurement decisions, the message was urgent: the industry has the skills and capacity to deliver, but now needs meaningful access to contracts to secure the future of UK garment and textile manufacturing.
Pink Threads: Final Free Breast Cancer Awareness & Bra-Making Workshop at FTA Leicester
Following three successful sessions, the FTA in Leicester is preparing to host the fourth and final Pink Threads: Breast Cancer Awareness & Bra-Making Workshop on Friday 30th October, from 10am to 1pm. This free community session, delivered in collaboration with Breast Cancer Now, combines an informative discussion on breast health, recognising changes, understanding risk factors and the importance of screening, with practical guidance on taking measurements, adapting patterns, selecting suitable materials and construction.
Bringing together vital health awareness and garment-making skills, Pink Threads demonstrates how fashion and textiles can make a meaningful difference within the community. The workshop takes place at FTA Leicester, Phoenix House, 2nd Floor, 1 King Street, Leicester, LE1 6RN.
Tap here to join this fantastic initiative connecting practical skills, wellbeing and community support.
Sign Up For Our Free Online Masterclasses
Looking to turn your fashion ideas into reality? FashionCapital is hosting two free, one-hour online masterclasses led by Caroline Trend, fashion designer and product development consultant with over 30 years’ industry experience.
Wednesday 11th November, 10–11am: Sourcing Fabrics & Manufacturers: Where Do You Start? Discover how to find suitable fabrics and manufacturers, what information you need and how to choose the right production partner for your brand.
Wednesday 2nd December, 10–11am: From Inspiration to Product: Where to Start With Your Ideas. Learn how to organise your inspiration, develop your ideas and take the first steps towards product design and development.
Ideal for fashion start-ups and growing brands, these practical sessions will help you move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
Both sessions are free to attend online, register your place and an email link to join will be sent closer to the date.
Final Call For Denim Masterclass With LaundRe
LaundRe’s one-day Denim Masterclass brings together leading industry experts for an afternoon exploring the fabric, chemistry and technology behind modern denim.
The session will cover:
- Fabric: fibres, weaving, dyeing, construction, finishing and stretch technology.
- Chemistry: the science behind denim finishes, with a live innovation showcase.
- Laser: a hands-on introduction to laser finishing and creating laser-optimised artwork.
Designed to help industry professionals make better design and commercial decisions, the masterclass offers practical insight into the technologies shaping the future of denim.
Thursday 29th October, 1 – 5pm, Canning Town, London E16 4ST
LaundRe are offering a 20% discount for bookings made through FashionCapital / Fashion Enter with code UKDENIM26
Places are limited please contact: jeans@laundre.co.uk to book.
Welcoming New Apprentice – Ruby Lacey
Fashion-Enter Ltd’s FTA is delighted to welcome Ruby Lacey, who has joined the Level 4 Product Technologist apprenticeship standard. Ruby is employed by supplier San Global Fashions Ltd, where San Fleming will support her as manager, with the FTA providing the apprenticeship training and development.
This apprenticeship marks an exciting step in Ruby’s professional journey, helping her build the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to progress within the fashion and textiles industry. We look forward to supporting Ruby throughout her training and wish her every success as she develops her expertise in product technology!
Courses & Workshops
Roll-on courses:
FTA campuses are located in Islington, Haringey and Leicester.
1 to 4 Day Workshops Coming Up:
22nd + 23rd October – 2-Day Beginners Pattern Cutting Workshop: Dress block – FC Designer Workspace – £80 + eventbrite fee
23rd October – 1 day Beginners Upcycle Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £50 + eventbrite fee
26th & 27th October – 2 – Day Introduction to Industrial Sewing and Garment Making Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £80 + eventbrite fee
26th – 28th October —3 Day Beginners Pattern Cutting Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £120 + eventbrite fee
28th – 30th October – 3 -Day Flared Skirt Making Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £120 + eventbrite fee
30th October – Pink Threads: Breast Cancer Awareness & Bra-Making Workshop – FTA Leicester – Free please register
2nd – 5th November – 4-Day Trouser Making Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £150 + eventbrite fee
4th November – Manchester Made & Regions – Manchester Hall – Free please register
For all course enquiries contact: education@fashion-enter.com or call 0208 809 3311
This Week On FashionCapital…
The Growing Cost of Doing Business in the UK
And Finally…
Yesterday, 20th October, our accompanying shop FC Designer Collective, on Fonthill Road held another successful repair and upcycle community drop in. One participant said:
“Many thanks for an excellent session. New skills learnt and clothes repaired and saved from landfill.”
These free sessions, supported by Islington Council, take place every two weeks – all you need to do is visit our eventbrite page to register.
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital / Fashion-Enter Ltd
