UK to Develop First National Textile Quality Mark to Revitalise Domestic Manufacturing

December 2025, Leicester

The Garment and Textile Workers Trust and ATMF consortium, Fashion-Enter Ltd, De Montfort University, and an additional partner (to be announced shortly), have announced a major new national initiative to reestablish the UK as a global centre of textile excellence, launching development of the country’s first UK Textile Quality Mark. This new standard will champion ethical production, environmental sustainability, innovation, and world-class British craftsmanship.

The Consortium will design, test and pilot the new Quality Mark across UK manufacturing facilities and with leading national retailers and brands. The initiative aims to strengthen the UK textile industry, boost jobs, and create a compelling economic and public case for sourcing more garments, PPE and uniforms from British manufacturers, firmly supporting the Chancellor’s call last week to “make, sell and buy more in Britain.”

After decades of decline driven by cheaper overseas sourcing, the UK garment industry is at a turning point. Rising tariffs, geopolitical instability and the growing demand for transparent and low-carbon supply chains have prompted brands and institutions to rethink long, fragile international supply routes.

“The Trust was created to safeguard workers and strengthen the foundations of our sector, and this new national strategy is a natural extension of that mission,” said Kevin McKeever, Chair of the Trust. 

“Funding the UK Textile Quality Mark and backing a campaign for a UK-First public procurement policy is an investment in people, in skills, and in a fairer future for British manufacturing. We are deeply hopeful about the long-term impact this will have, from restoring pride in UK-made textiles to creating better, safer, more sustainable jobs for the highly skilled workforce the industry depends on.”

“There is a real opportunity for the UK to reclaim its place as a world leader in textiles, not by being the cheapest, but by being the most ethical, sustainable and reliable,” said Jenny Holloway, CEO of Fashion-Enter and Chair, ATMF. 

“This Quality Mark will give buyers—public and private alike—a trusted signal of excellence and a reason to invest in British-made goods.”

The UK Textile Quality Mark will be designed to recognise the very best of UK textile production, setting standards in:

• Ethical and safe working conditions
• Environmental sustainability and low-carbon manufacturing
• Technical innovation
• Quality, durability and craftsmanship

The project will run pilot programmes with a representative range of UK mills, factories and workshops, as well as major retailers, to validate the Mark’s value, commercial viability and real-world impact. Building the economic and political Case for ‘UK-First’ procurement. In addition to developing the Quality Mark itself, the project will produce a robust economic case for expanding UK-based production. 

This includes:

• Detailed modelling of employment, economic and social impacts
• Costed implementation plans for industry adoption
• Recommendations for government policy support and targeted incentives

A key component of the programme is making a compelling public and political case for a UK-First approach to public-sector uniform procurement, including for the NHS, Armed Forces, police and emergency services, institutions that collectively purchase millions of garments each year.

“Public procurement can be a powerful engine for job creation and industrial renewal,” added Jenny Holloway. “Every pound spent on UK-made uniforms supports skilled employment, strengthens local economies and builds supply chain resilience.”

Revitalising the sector could unlock thousands of skilled jobs across regions with deep textile heritage, from Leicester and Yorkshire to Scotland and the North West, while supporting a new generation of talent in design, manufacturing and technical innovation. The initiative also aligns closely with national priorities on net zero, regional levelling-up, industrial resilience and ethical supply chains.

Editor’s Notes:

Apparel and Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF)
The Apparel and Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF) represents the collective voice of UK garment and textile producers. Working closely with government, industry partners and stakeholders, ATMF advocates for a fair, ethical and resilient manufacturing landscape. Its mission is to champion supplier interests, promote best practice across the supply chain, and support a more inclusive and sustainable future for the UK apparel and textiles sector.

Fashion-Enter Ltd (FEL)
Fashion-Enter Ltd (FEL), established in 2006, is a leading centre of excellence for ethical garment production, training and innovation. Operating award-winning micro-factories and sampling units, FEL supports retailers, e-commerce brands, designers and start-ups with high-quality manufacturing solutions. Alongside its technical services, FEL provides extensive skills development through apprenticeships, accredited courses, repair and repurposing initiatives, and access to cutting-edge industry technologies, helping to shape a skilled and future-ready fashion workforce.

De Montfort University (DMU)
De Montfort University (DMU) is a leading public university in Leicester recognised for its career-focused approach, global outlook and distinctive block-teaching model, enabling students to concentrate on one subject at a time. Renowned for its strengths in fashion, design and creative technologies, DMU offers award-winning programmes that blend innovation, craft and sustainability. With strong industry partnerships, international opportunities and a commitment to real-world impact, DMU equips graduates with the skills and experience needed to thrive in the evolving and sustainable creative industries.