Source Fashion – Trade Show

FashionCapital / Fashion-Enter Ltd CEO, Jenny Holloway, attended the opening of Source Fashion trade show at Olympia, London on 18th February. The event hosted an impressive roster of industry speakers alongside supply chain exhibitors and brands.

Exhibitors included garment manufacturers, fabrics, trims & fixtures, yarns, packaging, accessories along with design and technology services. The 3-day event appears to have grown for international – near and off-shoring, and China still dominates, however there seemed to be more exhibitors from other countries such as Egypt, and a smattering from Europe. 

The Source Debates stage included an impressive list of panel speakers and on Day 1 Jenny heard from Nick Reed, founder of Reem, the ever impressive Simon Platts Founder of SP&KO Consultancy, KO being Katherine O’Driscol – a great combo if ever there was one! As well as Nicola Kirby, partner and head of sourcing at John Lewis.

Discussions centred on the use of AI, along with lots of talk about industry sustainability. However, what the sector really needs is government support and intervention on UK garment manufacturing. Where are the discussions on new policies and getting Labour committed to making our manufacturing sector a prime growth sector again? 

Jenny commented: “It was great to visit the opening of Source this week. Out of 183 stands, an impressive number – but let’s remember the sub-brands, there were 15 with the UK banner against them which also included: Hello Fresh, Bulldog, consultancy and AI.

“Do not get me wrong here! Any event that promotes manufacturing is fantastic – but where is our heritage here? Another reason why Leicester Made on 14th May at Athena needs to take place!

“Congratulations to Source however, it’s not easy to pull off any trade show in this current climate and there was a definite buzz of anticipation at the event!”