Fashion – Enter Attend the Launch of the ATMF at the House of Commons
18-07-2022
Today, 18th July 2022, members of the Fashion-Enter Ltd team attended the launch of the newly formed Apparel & Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF). Founded to revive the historical trade of textile and garment manufacturing in Leicester, and with the aim of building a more ethical and sustainable textiles sector, the ATMF will act as a voice for suppliers. It aims to support the garment supply chain with compliance, auditing and safeguarding jobs through collaborative partnerships.
Sajjad Khan, Founder of ATMF, said: “We are delighted that the UK Government is recognising our efforts in Leicester and further afield, to support textile and apparel manufacturers. It is a great honour to have been given the opportunity to launch the Federation at the House of Commons, and this only adds to the gravitas of our mission.
“We already have the backing of a large number of businesses from across the supply chain so we know there is a very real need to create a strong supplier voice. We have also drawn support locally from senior level organisations including Leicester City Council, De Montfort University and the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership. The ATMF aims to promote ‘Brand Leicester’ within the MADE IN UK umbrella.”
Leicester Deputy Mayor, Cllr Adam Clarke said: “Leicester’s strong heritage in garment manufacturing puts the city in a great position to lead a resurgence in the industry – but this can only be done ethically by working together. This innovative new federation is a vital building block as we embed Leicester as a place offering well-paid, highly-skilled jobs, producing amazing garments in quality working environments.”
ATMF was formed with the help of worker rights’ charity, Justice in Fashion. Managing director, Jennifer Wascak, said: “The launch of ATMF is a bold step forward for the UK garment industry. There is finally an independent forum for the voices of UK garment manufacturers and their workers to be heard in a rapidly-changing industry.”
Jackie Bertram Manager at FCFTA Leicester added: “It’s a privilege to be invited to the launch of the ATMF. The resurgence of an ethical, compliant and skilled UK garment and textile industry is what we have been focusing on as part of our initiative with Community Renewal Fund, therefore we are delighted that the ATMF has been formed.
“Over the last 6-months, with the support from the Government and LCC via the Community Renewal Fund (CRF) – the FC Fashion Technology Academy in Leicester has focused on delivering skills to local garment workers and those in the local community; by August 175 qualifications will be achieved across courses in Level 1 fashion and textiles / industrial sewing and SEG ABC award in Workers’ Rights and labour exploitation.
“20 compliance guidance reviews have been undertaken to support local factories and a robust improvement plan provided. Through the CRF an online directory Leicestermade.co.uk has been created to showcase a cross section of Leicester garment and textile makers. And on 16th June the first Leicester Made Meet and Greet was held to positively showcase Leicester manufacturers.
“This shows what can be achieved in just 6-months with determination and collaboration. However these are just small steps in rebuilding a prosperous UK garment and textile industry – but these are important small steps.This next phase, with the ATMF in place is exciting and the FCFTA is here to continue to support on skills, community and business support and positively grow Made in UK and Leicester Made.”
The FCFTA Leicester is one of the supporting partners of the ATMF.
