Driving Progress For UK Made
11-11-2026
Newsletter 11th November 2026
Manchester Made & Regions…One Week Later…
What a fantastic response to last Wednesday’s Manchester Made & Regions trade event! The day was filled with energy, valuable connections and exciting new opportunities, bringing together the very best of the UK fashion and textile industry. From busy exhibitor stands to meaningful conversations between manufacturers and buyers, the feedback spoke for itself.
A particular highlight was the powerful opening address from Kevin McKeever, Chair of the Garment & Textiles Workers Trust and CEO of Lowick Hendry, who called for urgent action to ensure UK public procurement supports British garment and textile manufacturers.
Tap here to watch Kevin’s opening address.
Highlighting the loss of 14,000 garment jobs since 2020, Kevin challenged the continued awarding of significant publicly funded clothing and uniform contracts overseas, despite the UK having the manufacturing capability to deliver them at home. His message was clear: public money should support British businesses, protect skilled jobs and strengthen our domestic supply chain. He also highlighted the Trust-funded Unifying the Voice for Public Procurement Contracts in the UK report and called for practical action, including UK-made uniform targets and a pilot contract to demonstrate what British manufacturers can deliver.
A huge thank you to everyone who attended, exhibited, spoke and supported the event. Special thanks to our fantastic sponsors Style3D and ASBCI, whose support helped make the day possible, alongside our event partners Source Fashion and the ATMF.
Read more about Manchester Made & Regions here.
Tap here to view coverage from FashionUnited
International Delegation from South Korea Visits FEL
FEL was delighted to welcome 21 representatives from South Korea’s Human Resources Development Service (HRDK) on 9th November. Led by CEO Jenny Holloway, the delegation visited FEL’s Haringey factory and learning facility, as well as FC Designer Workspace in Islington, to explore the UK’s approach to vocational education, apprenticeships, ethical manufacturing and industry-led skills development. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to share knowledge and explore how education and manufacturing can work together to develop the next generation of skilled fashion professionals.
Made in Britain = Quality & Craftsmanship – As FRAHM Demonstrates
What does British manufacturing do best? Quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail. From heritage outerwear and fine knitwear to beautifully cut tailoring, the UK has a proud reputation for making exceptional garments – and FRAHM is a fantastic example of a brand championing exactly that.
In a brilliant new short film, FRAHM takes viewers on a journey to Fashion-Enter’s Haringey factory, showcasing where its made-to-order garments come to life and the incredible skill that goes into producing them. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see British manufacturing in action, from the people behind the machines to the finer details of construction – just look at that beautifully finished inside pocket!
To view the short film tap here
This Morning: Free Masterclass With Caroline Trend
Today, 11th November, we hosted a 1-hour online masterclass with fashion designer and product development consultant Caroline Trend. Today’s session focused on where to start when sourcing fabrics & manufacturers. The masterclass attracted fashion students, start-up brands, as well as established small brands wanting industry advice and knowledge. A big thank you to Caroline, the feedback from the session was fantastic with several booking in discovery calls.
We have another free, online masterclass with Caroline scheduled for Wednesday 2nd December, 10 – 11am – From Inspiration to Product: Where to Start With Your Ideas.
Where she will discuss how to turn creative inspiration into achievable product ideas and discover the first steps in the design and development process.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from an industry expert. Register now and your Zoom link will be sent by email closer to the date.
Inspiring the Next Generation: FTA at City of London Academy
We’re delighted that Manuela, Tutor at Fashion Technology Academy (FTA), has been invited back to take part in the Careers & Progression Fair 2026 at City of London Academy Highgate Hill today, 11th November.
Following the success of last year’s event, Manuela is once again meeting with students in Years 10 and 11, introducing them to opportunities within the fashion industry and highlighting the range of career and progression pathways available through fashion education and training.
Events like these are a fantastic opportunity to inspire young people, raise awareness of careers in fashion and textiles, and help the next generation discover where their skills and creativity could take them. Thank you to Maddy and the team at City of London Academy Highgate Hill for inviting FTA back!
Help to Grow: Management Course
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
Coming up: St Catherine’s Day Millinery Showcase
An exciting event dedicated to millinery. The St Catherine’s Day Millinery Showcase takes place on Wednesday 25th November – 4 – 8pm, bringing together talented independent millinery designers, makers and fashion industry professionals for an evening celebrating creativity, craftsmanship and specialist skills.
The event will offer the opportunity to discover exceptional millinery collections, meet the makers and explore potential collaborations and commercial opportunities. Renowned stylist, broadcaster and fashion expert Nicky Hambleton-Jones will also deliver a special presentation on current and emerging millinery trends between 6pm and 7pm. The showcase will take place at London Scottish Drill Hall, Westminster, London.
Attendance is complimentary for invited industry professionals, but advance registration is essential as places are limited. Tap here to register.
Courses & Workshops
Roll-on courses:
FTA campuses are located in Islington, Haringey and Leicester.
1 to 4 Day Workshops Coming Up:
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
18th – 20th November – 3-Day Introduction to Industrial Sewing and Make-Up Bag Making Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £120 + eventbrite fee
19th & 20th – 2-Day Beginners Pattern Cutting Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £80 + eventbrite fee
24th November – Free Repair & Upcycling Drop In Session – FC Designer Collective shop – Free, please sign up to secure your place
For all course enquiries contact: education@fashion-enter.com or call 0208 809 3311
This Week On FashionCapital…
Guest author Olivia Harrison discovers that UK fashion and textile production is far from over with the rise of small UK factories: Made in Britain, Made in London: A Morning Inside the Small Factories
And Finally…Best of Luck Drapers Finalists
Tonight is the night! FashionCapital is delighted that sister company Fashion-Enter Ltd has been shortlisted for Fashion Supplier of the Year at the prestigious Drapers Awards 2026.
This is the third time Fashion-Enter has reached the shortlist in this category, having proudly taken home the award in 2024. It’s another fantastic recognition for the ethical social enterprise, following an outstanding year that has also seen the organisation receive the King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development.
Taking place at Old Billingsgate in London, the awards promise to be a fantastic celebration of our industry. From everyone at FashionCapital and Fashion-Enter, we wish all the finalists across every category the very best of luck.
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital / Fashion-Enter Ltd
