Make it British Meet the Manufacturer – Day 1

More than an average trade show, Meet the Manufacturer was the first and only sourcing event exclusively aimed at displaying the best of the British clothing, textile and leather industry, an open event held in the Truman’s Brewery, the space was perfect for manufacturers to meet and network with designers and buyers and really showcase the best that British manufacturing has to offer.

The Fashion Enter and FashionCapital ladies set up stand and were ready for the event, and within the first hour were completely overwhelmed by the turnout and true passion of the attendees, most start-up designers who were looking to have a completely British brand were looking to manufacture within the UK.

The 2-day event invited a number of industry professionals to speak to a large audience in the conference hall, arranged by Make it British founder Kate Hill, Jenny Holloway was invited to speak on Day 1 of the event.

Mary Portas, British Retail consultant and Broadcaster best known for her appointment by the British Prime Minister to lead a review on the future of Britain’s high streets, opened the conference hall. Opening her speech by talking about the British revolution, Britain was once in its prime crafting wool, cotton and linens. Portas then went on to share statistics, “Manufacturing in the UK employs 2.6million people, represents 46% of our exports (well ahead of services on 39%). British Manufacturing never died, it just didn’t hire the right PR people.”

Jenny took to the stage at 2:30pm, speaking on ‘Why Made in Britain is Here to Stay’, Jenny spoke about Fashion Enter’s development since its start up in 2006. The progress and development of big branded names bringing the manufacturing close to home, including Marks & Spencers recent announcement to double its orders of the ‘Best of British’ range with Fashion Enter.

Touching on Fashion Enter’s journey into training, becoming the UK’s number 1 training provider of Fashion and Textile apprenticeships and most recently launching the ASOS Stitching Academy. Jenny also went onto announce Fashion Enter’s recent development in training, announcing the huge expansion of the FTA training facility and large number of new qualifications set to open next year.

Jenny’s speech was met with praise, and a number of questions.

“Great to hear about [Fashion Enter’s] expansion of the Fashion & Textiles apprenticeship programme supported by ASOS and Haringey Council.” Natalie Shepherd of ediTRACK

“Fashion Enter, as inspiring as always.” Orsola De Castro

“Great to hear about the expansion of the Fashion & Textiles Apprenitceship programme by Fashion Enter, as supported by Creative Skillset, ASOS and Haringey Council”. Fashion Revolution