3 Weeks To Manchester Made & Regions
14-10-2026
Newsletter 14th October 2026
5 Very Good Reasons to Attend Manchester Made & Regions 2026
Behind the scenes, plans are taking shape for Manchester Made & Regions 2026, with confirmed industry speakers joining the agenda and more announcements coming in the weeks ahead.
Fashion-Enter Ltd is proud to co-host this free, one-day event with Source Fashion and the Apparel & Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF) on Wednesday 4th November 2026. Bringing together brands, retailers, manufacturers and industry leaders, the event will explore how UK fashion and textile production can work commercially for more businesses.
Why Attend?
1. Meet UK Manufacturers and Discover Local Production
Connect with British fashion and textile manufacturers, explore their capabilities and uncover opportunities to bring production closer to home.
2. Understand the Realities of UK Manufacturing
Explore pricing, minimum order quantities (MOQs), lead times and production capacity to make more informed sourcing decisions.
3. Build Valuable Industry Connections
Meet potential suppliers, clients and collaborators, strengthen existing relationships and open doors to new regional business opportunities.
4. Explore Smarter, More Resilient Supply Chains
Discover how localised sourcing and on-shoring could support supply-chain resilience, sustainability and regional economic growth.
5. Hear Directly from Industry Experts
Gain insights from influential voices across fashion, textiles, manufacturing and sourcing, discussing the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of UK production.
Confirmed Speakers Include…
Jess Power – Chair of The Textile Institute
Jess Power brings extensive expertise across fashion and textiles, education, engineering, health and business. Recognised for her research, innovation and contribution to education and policy development, Jess has received prestigious accolades including National Teaching Fellow and Advance HE Principal Fellow. Appointed Chair of The Textile Institute in 2023, she continues to champion innovation, skills development and collaboration across the global textile community.
Isatou Ndure – Senior Reporter, Just Style
Isatou Ndure covers the global apparel industry for Just Style, reporting on sourcing strategy, supply chains, manufacturing and sustainability. Through conversations with business leaders and industry experts, she explores the challenges facing brands and suppliers and the wider developments shaping the sector.
More speakers and agenda announcements will be revealed in the coming weeks.
Wednesday 4th November 2026 Manchester Made & Regions is free to attend and will take place at Manchester Hall tap here to find out more and book your free place.
FEL and FTA Supports Positive Mental Health
World Mental Health Day, took place 10th October, providing an important opportunity to raise awareness, challenge stigma and promote positive mental wellbeing. At FEL and the FTA, we recognise that mental health is essential to creating inclusive, supportive learning environments where learners, staff and the wider community feel valued and connected. The majority of our tutors and key staff members are Mental Health First Aiders, helping to ensure that individuals can access understanding, guidance and appropriate support when needed.
Our commitment extends into the wider community through creative initiatives such as the Hope-FX project, which encourages young adults to explore stitching and textile crafts as opportunities for self-expression, achievement and social connection.
This commitment was also reflected in FTA’s attendance at a World Mental Health Day celebration organised by Ananda9 Ltd, a registered mental health charity in England, on 9th October 2026. Representing FTA’s Leicester branch, Operational Manager Divya Kamath joined Ananda9 members, carers and professionals for a celebration featuring performances, guest speakers and opportunities to connect. The event reinforced the importance of listening to lived experiences, fostering inclusion and building communities where everyone feels heard, respected and supported.
Anti-Slavery Week: See Every Worker
Taking place this week, 12th – 18th October 2026, Anti-Slavery Week highlights the importance of identifying and preventing modern slavery and labour exploitation. Organised by Stronger Together, this year’s campaign, ‘See Every Worker’, encourages fashion and textile businesses to look beyond policies and procedures to ensure workers across their operations and supply chains are recognised, protected and treated fairly. From agency staff and subcontractors to homeworkers and international supply chain workers, exploitation can remain hidden in plain sight. With Anti-Slavery Day on 18th October, the campaign is a timely reminder that protecting workers starts with awareness, vigilance and a commitment to ethical working practices. Read more about Anti-Slavery Week here.
FTA Strengthens Inclusive Teaching Through CPD
On Thursday 8th October, the FTA team took part in a refresher CPD session on ‘Teaching Learners of Different Abilities’, focused on strengthening tutors’ skills and confidence in supporting diverse learning needs. The session explored practical strategies including differentiation, scaffolding, modelling, effective questioning and adapting teaching pace to ensure all learners can access lessons, build confidence and make meaningful progress.
Head of Education, Lan Leeder highlighted the importance of providing the right balance of support and challenge, ensuring differentiation does not mean offering less educational content, but enabling every learner to work towards their learning goals. The session reinforced FTA’s commitment to inclusive teaching, continuous professional development and creating a supportive learning environment where every learner has the opportunity to succeed.
Denim Masterclass With LaundRe – 29th October
LaundRe is offering a one-day Denim Masterclass to bring together leading industry experts for an afternoon exploring the fabric, chemistry and technology behind modern denim.
The session will cover:
- Fabric: fibres, weaving, dyeing, construction, finishing and stretch technology.
- Chemistry: the science behind denim finishes, with a live innovation showcase.
- Laser: a hands-on introduction to laser finishing and creating laser-optimised artwork.
Designed to help industry professionals make better design and commercial decisions, the masterclass offers practical insight into the technologies shaping the future of denim.
29th October, 1 – 5pm, Canning Town, London E16 4ST
LaundRe are offering a 20% discount for bookings made through FashionCapital / Fashion-Enter with code UKDENIM26
Places are limited please contact: jeans@laundre.co.uk to book.
Courses & Workshops
Roll-on courses:
FTA campuses are located in Islington, Haringey and Leicester.
1 to 4 Day Workshops/Events Coming Up:
15th – 16th October – 2-Day Beginners Pattern Cutting Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £80 + eventbrite fee
19th – 21st October – 3 Day Skirt and darted Pattern Cutting Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £120 + eventbrite fee
20th October – Free Repair & Upcycling Drop In Session – FC Designer Collective shop – Free please register
22nd + 23rd October – 2-Day Beginners Pattern Cutting Workshop: Dress block – FC Designer Workspace – £80 + eventbrite fee
23rd October – 1 day Beginners Upcycle Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £50 + eventbrite fee
30th October – Pink Threads: Breast Cancer Awareness & Bra-Making Workshop – FTA Leicester – Free please register
4th November – Manchester Made & Regions – Manchester Hall – Free please register
For all course enquiries contact: education@fashion-enter.com or call 0208 809 3311
This Week On FashionCapital…
WRAP Launches Global Programme To Rethink Post-Consumer Textiles
And Finally…Free Online Masterclasses – Save the Dates!
Looking to turn your fashion ideas into reality? FashionCapital is hosting two free, one-hour online masterclasses led by Caroline Trend, fashion designer and product development consultant with over 30 years’ industry experience.
Wednesday 11th November, 10 – 11am: Sourcing Fabrics & Manufacturers: Where Do You Start? Discover how to find suitable fabrics and manufacturers, what information you need and how to choose the right production partner for your brand.
Wednesday 2nd December, 10 – 11am: From Inspiration to Product: Where to Start With Your Ideas. Learn how to organise your inspiration, develop your ideas and take the first steps towards product design and development.
Ideal for fashion start-ups and growing brands, these practical sessions will help you move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
Both sessions are free to attend online, register your place and an email link to join will be sent closer to the date.
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital / Fashion-Enter Ltd
