Leicester Made 2025: An Inspiring Step Forward for UK Fashion Manufacturing
18-06-2025
Leicester Made, 14 May 2025, Athena, Leicester – Over 1,000 industry leaders, retailers, manufacturers, designers, and policymakers gathered at Athena for Leicester Made 2025, to showcase of the city’s dynamic fashion and textiles sector. Organised by Fashion-Enter Ltd supported by The Apparel and Textiles Manufacturing Federation and proudly sponsored by Kornit Digital, Alvanon, Style3D, and ASBCI, the event at Athena marked a transformative moment for Leicester’s manufacturing industry.
With more than 60 exhibitors, Leicester Made 2025 proved to be a timely celebration of the region’s world-class textile expertise. The event reflected a united front from local businesses, celebrating the skill, innovation, and resilience that define Leicester’s fashion manufacturing heritage – and its future.
Panel Talks, Factory Tours & CEO Roundtables
The day featured a packed schedule including insightful panel discussions, exclusive factory visits, and a high-profile CEO/C-Suite roundtable with Labour MP for Leicester West, Liz Kendall. Despite a busy parliamentary schedule, Ms. Kendall was eager to listen directly to industry voices and reaffirmed her commitment to supporting Leicester’s manufacturing future.
“Leicester is home to some of the best textile businesses in the country,” said Liz Kendall MP. “These firms are the heart and soul of our community, literally knitting people together.
“It is a testament to their flair, the skill of their workers and their entrepreneurship that textile products made in this city are sold across the UK and abroad.
“Whether that is the House of Commons Christmas jumpers by Jack Masters or Pantherella socks – the best socks in the world – or any of the other amazing companies based here.
“We are determined to make Leicester the leading centre for textile design and manufacturing in the UK. A brilliant future lies ahead.”
Ms. Kendall emphasised the importance of creating meaningful job opportunities for young people and pledged to follow up on key issues raised during the closed-door discussions.
Nick Beighton, Ex CEO ASOS, EX CEO Matches Fashion, Chairman Secret Sales, Ecommerce/Digital Business Builder, added: “Leicester was once a city that boasted to clothe the world. The mission is clear – let’s re-establish that crown! and connect the amazing talent in a new and exciting way.
“I was delighted to co-host the session with Leicester West MP Liz Kendall. Liz attended and participated in an important session addressing the strategies we need to adopt to achieve a bigger and better fashion and manufacturing sector.”
A Hub for Innovation and Collaboration
As global brands increasingly on-shore production in response to supply chain pressures, Leicester Made 2025 generated significant new business and highlighted the city’s potential as a sustainable manufacturing hub. Tech innovators and retailers alike praised the event’s forward-thinking tone and collaborative spirit.
Brendan Mangan, GM UK/I at Kornit Digital, remarked: “It was great to attend the Made in Leicester event – I was genuinely inspired by the passion and creativity on display. This was more than just an event; it was a celebration of the local Leicester community’s commitment to driving real change in the fashion industry.
“The industry is evolving rapidly, and it’s clear that innovation and local collaboration are key to navigating that change. Companies like Kornit, along with our forward-thinking customers, are proud to be part of that journey – helping shape a more sustainable, agile, and creative future for fashion.”
Elizabeth Brandwood, Style3D commented: “It was a true honour to be part of Leicester Made 2025 and to connect with the passionate innovators shaping the future of UK fashion. Style3D is proud to support the movement to re-shore manufacturing by providing the tools and technology that drive efficiency, creativity, and sustainability across the value chain. We’re deeply grateful to Jennifer Holloway for organising such a dynamic gathering—this is the kind of bold leadership that drives transformation.”
“It was a privilege to support Jenny and her team at such a positive, inspiring and forward thinking event,” commented Mar Fernández, Market Development Director, Alvanon Europe. “It is clear Leicester is an ecosystem of apparel and textile design and manufacturing talent. It is positioned to play a key role in helping the UK rebuild its production capabilities and Alvanon is proud to support that renaissance.”
A New Era for UK Fashion Production
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees hailing the event as a turning point for Leicester’s fashion sector. The presence of major stakeholders, combined with an atmosphere of optimism and action, underscored the region’s renewed drive to lead in UK-made, ethical and innovative fashion.
Exhibitor Abz from Denovo said: “It was a productive and encouraging discussion with Liz Kendall on the future of clothing manufacturing in Leicester.
“As a UK-based manufacturer, we welcome the renewed focus on supporting local supply chains, upskilling the workforce, and investing in ethical, sustainable production. Leicester has the talent, infrastructure, and entrepreneurial spirit to lead the next chapter of British manufacturing and we’re extremely proud to be part of that journey.”
Peter Chandler, Head of Economic Regeneration at Leicester City Council, added: “It was absolutely brilliant, with very impressive attendance and lots of interesting content. In particular, I thought the tone of the day – probably for the first time – was forward-looking and positive.”
Leicester Made is more than a trade show – it’s a movement to champion domestic production, celebrate craftsmanship, and forge a new path for ethical fashion in the UK. With support from industry leaders and policymakers, this event marks the beginning of a new chapter in textile manufacturing, firmly rooted in Leicester’s proud legacy and promising future.
Fashion Show hosted by Leicester Fashion Week – featuring designs from De Montfort University in collaboration with Kornit Digital and local designers: @sekinaholatunji @midetushbespoke @ammagi.attire @houseofboj @frocktalesltd
Images by Felicity West
