FEL Brings Industry Together to Explore Public Procurement Opportunities for UK SMEs

On Wednesday 16th September, Fashion-Enter Ltd (FEL) hosted an invitation-only industry meeting at the Palace of Westminster, co-hosted by the UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT), bringing together representatives from across the UK garment and textile manufacturing sector and supporting organisations.

The meeting formed part of FEL’s ongoing proactive work to understand and address the challenges and opportunities facing UK-based garment and textile manufacturers, particularly in relation to access to public procurement.

With 61 people and organisations represented, the event provided an important opportunity for industry stakeholders to come together, share perspectives and consider how the sector can work more collaboratively to ensure the capabilities of UK manufacturers are understood and considered within relevant procurement processes.

As a closed-door, invitation-only industry event held under Chatham House Rule, the detailed discussions and contributions remain confidential. The purpose of the meeting was to facilitate an open and constructive industry conversation, rather than to make the proceedings public.

The meeting builds on work undertaken over the past 12 months with support from the Garment & Textile Workers Trust, including research and industry engagement led by the Apparel & Textile Manufacturers Federation, De Montfort University, Katherine O’Driscoll SP & KO Limited and Fashion-Enter Ltd/FashionCapital. This work is examining the current landscape for UK garment manufacturing and the wider economic impact that could result from public procurement contracts being awarded to UK manufacturers.

A report from this wider programme of research is expected at the end of September and will provide further evidence to support the sector’s engagement with the issue.

The Westminster meeting also follows ongoing industry work demonstrating that UK manufacturers already have significant capabilities and infrastructure in areas including PPE and the development of more sustainable textile and garment solutions. A key challenge is ensuring that these existing capabilities are effectively connected to those responsible for procurement and supply.

Feedback following the meeting was very positive, reinforcing the value of bringing industry and support organisations together around this important issue.

For FEL, the meeting represents another practical step in proactively connecting UK manufacturers, gathering evidence and facilitating collaboration across the sector, with the longer-term aim of strengthening the industry’s ability to engage with public procurement opportunities.