British Manufacturing Takes Centre Stage in Manchester Today
04-11-2026
Newsletter 4th November 2026
Live From Manchester Made & Regions!
We’re at Manchester Hall for Manchester Made & Regions, bringing together an exciting line-up of speakers, exhibitors, retail buyers, public bodies, manufacturers and industry experts to celebrate the capabilities and future of UK manufacturing.
From challenging the myths around British-made products to exploring the opportunities for faster, more flexible and sustainable supply chains, today’s conversations are about turning potential into action.
As Michael Conway, Chairman of Clothes2order, highlights, UK manufacturing is about much more than unit cost. It’s about quality, speed, provenance, reduced stockholding and manufacturing to meet real demand.
There’s also significant progress on the public procurement agenda. Following nine months of work on the GTWT-commissioned report, Unifying the Voice for Public Procurement, to help drive change and open up public sector contracts to skilled, ethical UK factories. We’re now in discussions with parliamentarians in both houses at Westminster about how we all come together to effect change.
Fashion-Enter Ltd CEO Jenny Holloway said: “Today at Manchester Made & Regions we’re delighted to welcome buyers, public bodies and industry experts to network with garment manufacturers and service providers. We have some excellent retail buyers thanks to this years unique partnership with Source Fashion; a big thank you to Suzanne Ellingham for her faith in British Manufacturing.
“Over the last nine months I’ve been heavily involved with a report commissioned by GTWT. This report has been a deep dive into Unifying the Voice for Public Procurement with lead partner ATMF, and stakeholders FEL, DMU and Alix Coombes from Fashion Roundtable. Thank you to Katherine O’Driscoll for her support too with brand research.
“Today we’re confirming the ‘three asks’ and we’re driving change for public bodies to award public procurement contracts to the skilled ethical factories of the UK. Thanks to everyone who is showcasing and attending today.”
The event continues until our networking drinks at 4pm.
Jenny Holloway Appointed to Mayor of London’s Creative Industries Talent Board
Congratulations to Fashion-Enter Ltd CEO Jenny Holloway on her appointment to the Mayor of London’s Creative Industries Talent Board, confirmed by Deputy Mayor Howard Dawber OBE.
Bringing decades of experience across fashion, textiles, manufacturing and education, Jenny will help shape London’s future skills and employment priorities, ensuring employers have a stronger voice in developing the next generation of creative talent.
Through her work at Fashion-Enter and the Fashion Technology Academy, Jenny has consistently championed practical, industry-led training and more inclusive routes into employment.
Jenny commented: “I am thrilled to be appointed to the Mayor of London’s Talent Board. Ensuring that the next generation has access to the skills, training and opportunities needed to sustain and develop within UK businesses will be an important part of the work ahead.”
Expert Advice – Free Fashion Masterclasses with Caroline Trend!
Ready to take your fashion business to the next level? FashionCapital is bringing you two exclusive, free online masterclasses with fashion designer and product development consultant Caroline Trend, who brings more than 30 years of industry experience.
Whether you’re developing your first collection or looking to grow your brand, these practical sessions will give you the knowledge, direction and confidence to move forward.
Coming up:
- Wednesday 11th November | 10–11am – Sourcing Fabrics & Manufacturers: Where Do You Start? Find the right materials, identify suitable manufacturers and learn what makes a successful production partnership.
- Wednesday 2nd December | 10–11am – From Inspiration to Product: Where to Start With Your Ideas. Turn creative inspiration into achievable product ideas and discover the first steps in the design and development process.
Both sessions are completely free and take place online.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from an industry expert. Register now and your joining link will be sent by email closer to the date!
Pink Threads: Bringing Awareness, Wellbeing and Creativity Together
The fourth and final Pink Threads community workshop took place in Leicester on 30th October, rounding off an inspiring series delivered by the FEL/FTA team in collaboration with Breast Cancer Now.
Combining vital breast cancer awareness and early detection education with hands-on bra-making skills, the free workshop gave participants the opportunity to learn about breast health, screening and mammograms before exploring bra construction, measurements and pattern cutting.
One participant shared her personal experience of early breast cancer detection through a routine mammogram, highlighting the importance of attending screening when invited. She also spoke about how learning to make a bra was particularly valuable following her surgery.
Pink Threads has shown how practical skills, creative learning and open conversations can support wellbeing, confidence and community connection.
A huge thank you to Breast Cancer Now and everyone who took part in this meaningful initiative!
Funded Learning to Innovate, Grow and Move Forward with Confidence
If you have 5 or more employees in your business or social enterprise, you are likely to be eligible to join the UK government’s Help to Grow: Management course.
“I would recommend the Help to Grow course to anyone looking to understand how to really pull the right levers to maximise business growth.” – Lisa Kettell, Director, Kettell Windows.
Help to Grow: Management includes webinars, peer groups and mentoring and is delivered online alongside 4 in-person case study workshops. The course culminates in the creation of a practical growth action plan for your organisation.
90% government-funded, with a participant contribution of £750 that in many cases can be covered by a business school bursary – please get in touch to request a bursary.
Help to Grow Management is available with the University of Leicester School of Business and DMU’s Castle Business School in January:
- University of Leicester – Starting 8th January – www.le.ac.uk/helptogrow – ulsb.business@le.ac.uk
- Castle Business School – Starting 6th January – www.dmu.ac.uk/helptogrow – h2gm@dmu.ac.uk
Great News! Repair & Upcycle Workshops Receive Further Islington Council Support
We’re delighted to announce that our bi-monthly Repair & Upcycle drop-in workshops have received further support from Islington Council, meaning we now have dates confirmed right through to spring next year!
These popular free community sessions invite participants to bring along clothing and textiles from home to repair, alter or creatively upcycle, helping extend the life of much-loved items while learning practical new skills.
Next session: Tuesday 24th November
Join us at FC Designer Collective, 113–115 Fonthill Road, London N4, just a short walk from Finsbury Park tube station.
Places are limited and advance registration via Eventbrite is essential, so don’t miss out!
Courses & Workshops
Roll-on courses:
FTA campuses are located in Islington, Haringey and Leicester.
1 to 4 Day Workshops Coming Up:
9th – 12th November – 4-Day Shirt Making Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £150 + eventbrite fee
9th – 11th November – 3 Day Skirt and darted Pattern Cutting Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £120 + eventbrite fee
11th November – Free 1 Hour Masterclass: Sourcing Fabrics & Manufacturers: Where Do You Start? – Online – Free
16th & 17th November – 2-Day Introduction to Industrial Sewing and Garment Making Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £80 + eventbrite fee
16th & 17th November – 2-Day Beginners Pattern Cutting Workshop: Dress block – FC Designer Workspace – £80 + eventbrite fee
For all course enquiries contact: education@fashion-enter.com or call 0208 809 3311
This Week On FashionCapital…
The Evolution of Aimee Joyce London
And Finally…Bringing the Classroom to Life at FEL’s Factory
Fashion-Enter Ltd continues to open its factory doors with Director Caroline Ash recently welcoming students and industry professionals. Through tailored seminars and behind-the-scenes factory tours, Caroline has been bringing UK manufacturing, sustainability and supply chain management to life, connecting academic theory with the realities of industry.
The visits have proved hugely successful, with excellent feedback, repeat bookings and further visits already being planned.
These sessions demonstrate the value of professional CPD and educational learning, giving students and industry professionals first-hand insight into how British manufacturing really works.
Interested in arranging a university visit, industry seminar or professional development session? Fashion-Enter welcomes opportunities to share its expertise and inspire future industry talent. Please tap here to find out more.
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital / Fashion-Enter Ltd
