An Investment in the Future of British Fashion: Leicester Made & Regions 2026

As the UK fashion and textile industry undergoes a profound transformation, one message is becoming increasingly clear: British manufacturing matters. From ethical production and supply chain transparency to skills retention and regional regeneration, onshore fashion production is no longer a niche aspiration – it is a strategic necessity.

Leicester Made & Regions 2026, taking place on 24th and 25th April 2026 at The Venue, De Montfort University, Leicester, offers sponsors a powerful opportunity to align with this movement and build on the momentum of a highly successful inaugural event.

Proven Success: Building on the Momentum of Leicester Made 2025

Leicester Made 2025 attracted unprecedented national attention from across the fashion and textile industry, firmly establishing the event as a credible, influential platform for UK manufacturing.

Industry leaders, policymakers and manufacturers came together to explore how British fashion can regain global competitiveness through ethical, onshore and future-focused production. The strength of this first event has directly driven the expansion to Leicester Made & Regions 2026, reflecting growing demand from businesses across the UK to be part of the conversation.

Nick Beighton (pictured second from the left), Ex CEO of ASOS, Ex CEO of Matches Fashion and Chairman of Secret Sales, commented:

“I was delighted to attend the second Made in Leicester event, which showcased some of the city’s outstanding fashion and manufacturing talent, curated by the FEL team. We discussed how to make UK fashion and manufacturing brilliant again and re-establish Leicester’s position.

I was also pleased to co-host a session with Leicester West MP Liz Kendall, focusing on the strategies needed to build a bigger, stronger fashion and manufacturing sector.”

For sponsors, this endorsement underscores the event’s ability to attract senior decision-makers, influential voices and meaningful industry dialogue.

Supporting UK Production at a Critical Moment

Leicester Made & Regions directly responds to the accelerating shift towards reshoring, sustainability and supply chain transparency. The 2026 event will showcase ethical and innovative British manufacturers from across Great Britain, including garment makers, textile suppliers, dye houses, printers, repair specialists and circular fashion innovators.

Sponsorship provides organisations with high-visibility alignment to UK production at a time when responsible sourcing and British manufacturing are increasingly central to business strategy, policy development and consumer trust.

Driving Local and Regional Economic Impact

Rooted in Leicester’s rich manufacturing heritage and expanded nationwide, Leicester Made & Regions supports:

• Local and regional supply chain businesses across the UK
• Job creation and skills development within manufacturing, design and technology
• Economic regeneration, both in Leicester and across participating regions

With manufacturers, brands and visitors travelling from across Great Britain, the event delivers real economic benefit while reinforcing Leicester’s position as a national centre for fashion and textile excellence.

Championing Workforce, Skills and Education

At its core, Leicester Made & Regions is about people. The event brings together experienced manufacturers, emerging designers, students, educators and policymakers to address the future skills needs of the industry.

Sponsors have the opportunity to engage directly with the current and next generation workforce, supporting training, apprenticeships, education partnerships and long-term talent pipelines essential to the resilience of UK fashion and textiles.

Celebrating British Heritage While Showcasing Innovation

From traditional craftsmanship to AI-driven design, digital manufacturing and sustainable production technologies, Leicester Made & Regions highlights how British fashion can honour its heritage while embracing the future.

Sponsors are positioned at the forefront of this narrative – supporting innovation, sustainability and circularity while celebrating the craftsmanship and regional expertise that define Made in the UK.

Two Days of High-Value Engagement

• Day 1 – Industry Only: Exclusive access to manufacturers, brands, retailers, technology providers, policymakers and industry leaders through exhibitions, talks and roundtables.
• Day 2 – Consumer Focused: Direct engagement with the public through fashion shows, demonstrations and interactive experiences that celebrate British-made fashion.

This dual format offers sponsors both B2B influence and consumer-facing brand impact, maximising reach and return on involvement.

A Platform for Leadership and Influence

Organised by Fashion-Enter Ltd (FEL) and the Apparel and Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF), Leicester Made & Regions is driven by a clear mission: to strengthen UK supply chains and accelerate the shift towards a transparent, ethical and resilient fashion economy.

As Jenny Holloway, CEO of Fashion-Enter Ltd and Chair of ATMF, explains: 

“Leicester Made & Regions marks a major step forward in championing British manufacturing excellence across the entire UK.”

Sponsors play a vital role in delivering this vision gaining visibility, credibility and long-term industry impact in return.

Be Part of the Movement

Sponsoring Leicester Made & Regions 2026 is not just about brand exposure; it is about investing in the future of UK fashion and textiles. It is a clear statement of commitment to British manufacturing, regional growth, skills development and heritage-led innovation.

Save the Date:
24th & 25th April 2026
The Venue, De Montfort University, Leicester

For sponsorship enquiries please contact: beth@fashion-enter.com

To register your attendance tap here