A Unified Voice for Made in the UK As Momentum Builds
04-03-2026
Newsletter 4th March 2026
Leicester Made and Regions Announce Drinks Reception Partner
We are delighted to announce that Source Fashion has joined Leicester Made & Regions (LM&R) as the Official Drinks Reception Partner for the 2026 showcase, taking place on 24th April at The Venue, De Montfort University. Organised by FEL and the ATMF, LM&R continues to gain national momentum as a unifying platform for British manufacturing. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to collaboration, responsible sourcing and championing both global best practice and homegrown production. The Drinks Reception will provide a valuable opportunity for industry leaders, manufacturers, brands and policymakers to connect and strengthen the collective voice of UK fashion and textiles.
Suzanne Ellingham, Director of Source Fashion, commented: “One of the things that we talk about all the time is the power of collaboration, and working with partners who share your values, and how you can both move things forward faster by working together. With that in mind it makes perfect sense that we would partner with LM&R and support the ATMF and our partners.
“It’s vital that we join forces to support and shout about this amazing heritage and skill that we have, right here in the UK. Whilst Source Fashion has built a platform on bringing the best responsible manufacturers from around the world to the UK, I feel it’s incredibly important to support our home grown manufacturers wherever we can, which is why we are lending our voice here.
“By supporting LM&R we are offering an opportunity for our own community to get involved, whilst creating those regular touch points where we come together as an industry and talk about what matters most, and how we move forward together as an industry with a unified voice.”
With just 51 days to go, excitement is building for LM&R, for further information, exhibiting opportunities or press enquiries, please contact: beth@fashion-enter.com and to register your attendance tap here.
ASBCI Returns as LM&R Sponsor
When sponsors return, it signals that we are delivering an event that truly serves industry needs. We are therefore proud to warmly welcome back ASBCI as a returning sponsor for LM&R. This long-established trade body works tirelessly to ensure its services remain relevant to major high street brands. With soaring oil prices and continued disruption across international supply chains, now is the crucial moment for brands to place trial runs and bulk orders with trusted UK factories. Thank you to ASBCI for your continued support, they join Alvanon as LM&R event sponsors, together we aim to strengthen confidence in British manufacturing at this pivotal time.
Fair Work Agency
As the ATMF and FEL gain further traction with public procurement contracts, it is vital that Government procurement is correctly implemented and delivered through the new Fair Work Agency, which commences in April 2026. This single enforcement body will ensure compliance with key employment rights including minimum wage, holiday pay and statutory sick pay. As Chair of the ATMF, Jenny Holloway knows her members. The Tacit Report released in November 2025 has, in the main, already exonerated factories from exaggerated claims of misconduct. This is precisely why we are welcoming Trade Unions as sponsors to LM&R. They want to work with us in supporting Government to buy from the UK, and they are already canvassing their MPs. We have an exceptional garment and textiles manufacturing industry and now is the time to shine at LM&R.
Leicester Designer Drop-In – Today
Taking place today, 4th March, Leicester’s creative community have been invited to connect and collaborate at the Designer Drop-In Day at FEL’s Fashion Hub, 1 King Street, Leicester, from 2–6pm. Hosted in partnership with the ATMF and supported by LCB Depot, this informal networking event welcomes everyone from emerging start-ups to established creative entrepreneurs.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Jenny Holloway, tour the fully equipped sampling and production facility, and discover how the Fashion Hub supports designers in developing high-quality samples and scaling into efficient, sustainable bulk manufacture. Whether you drop in for 20 minutes or stay the full afternoon, this is a valuable chance to gain insight, grow your network, and explore new production opportunities within Leicester’s thriving fashion sector.
Practical Guide to Employment Law
Navigating employment law changes can feel overwhelming – particularly for creative businesses balancing growth, clients and delivery. That’s why Impact Legal and Business Services has produced a practical guide to the Employment Rights Act 2025, tailored specifically to the creative sector. The guide provides a clear, at-a-glance timeline of upcoming reforms, explaining what’s changing, when changes take effect, and how businesses can prepare proactively rather than react under pressure. While some measures remain subject to further consultation, the guide highlights the updates most likely to affect growing creative enterprises and also briefly references Trade Union law developments. Creative leaders are encouraged to access the guide to stay informed and plan with confidence.
This helpful guide has been featured in Advice & Support on FashionCapital
FEL X Repair Week 2026
This week also marked Repair Week 2026, highlighting the urgent need to tackle the UK’s throwaway culture. New research commissioned by ReLondon reveals that the UK spends an estimated £15 billion each year replacing items that could have been repaired. Two in three people admit to spending around £277 annually on replacing repairable goods, with an astonishing 335 million repairable items, around six per person, discarded every year. Textiles and electricals top the list of commonly thrown-away products.
Yesterday, 3rd March, our FC Designer Collective shop on Fonthill Road joined the Repair Week mission with a free community drop-in repair event, supported by Islington Council to encourage participants to mend and recycle garments. The shop was buzzing throughout the day, and it was fantastic to see participants leave with refreshed items ready to rewear.
ReFAB Studio Workshop at the Workspace
At the FC Designer Workspace, an exciting new collaboration has also launched. On Friday 27th February, ReFAB Studio partnered with FEL to deliver the first in a series of upcycling workshops, supported by The Clothworkers’ Company. Designed to empower local communities through circular design and practical skill-building, the programme transforms unused interior textile remnants into desirable lifestyle products while promoting creativity, confidence and green career pathways.
Participants salvaged premium designer offcuts to create cushion covers, learnt how to operate industrial machines and apply decorative embellishments. Lan Leeder, Head of Education at the FTA, praised the initiative as a fantastic programme that combines sustainability with hands-on learning, with every participant leaving the first session with beautifully crafted cushion covers.
Further ReFAB x FEL workshops are now open for booking, with limited spaces available and confirmation required.
Employment Opportunity
A new opportunity has been listed on Leicester Made for a Junior Sewing Machinist. The role involves operating industrial sewing machines to assemble apparel products with precision and efficiency, working across various machine types to meet product specifications and quality standards. Ideal candidates will have garment production experience, strong attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
To find out more and apply tap here
Courses Workshops and Masterclasses
Roll-on courses:
Available at all campuses Islington, Haringey and Leicester.
Drop-In Sewing:
5th March – After work drop in Sewing – FC Designer Workspace – £20 + eventbrite fee
Fabric Manipulation and Textile Embellishment:
28th March – Fabric Manipulation and textile Embellishment Saturday Class — FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
Smocking:
14th March – Introduction to Smocking – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
Pattern Cutting:
9th March – Introduction to Pattern Making: Skirt and darted bodice block – FTA Haringey – £70 + eventbrite fee
Corset Making:
7th March – Saturday Introduction to Corset Making – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
Repair & Upcycling:
24th March – Free Repair and Upcycling Drop-In – FC Designer Collective shop – free
Free Business Masterclass Online:
10th March – Fashion Brand Foundations: From Concept to Manufacturing – Free Online Masterclass 10am – 11am (register your place and a Zoom link will be emailed closer to the date)
For all course enquiries contact: education@fashion-enter.com or call 0208 809 3311
This Week on FashionCapital…
Thinking ahead to SS27 we gain inspiration from the ocean and Fijian coral reefs in particular. Designers from Iris van Herpen, Alexander McQueen and eco-pioneers – Vin + Omi have often referenced the underwater world to form their collections. A big thank you to Mary Lundin for the use of her exceptional underwater images.
Underwater Fiji: A Journey of Colour Pattern and Form
And Finally…Our Next Free Online Masterclass
Join us online Tuesday 10th March from 10am for a Fashion Brand Foundations: From Concept to Manufacturing masterclass. This 1-hour session will break down the entire journey, from shaping your initial idea and understanding your customer, through design, tech packs, fabric sourcing and manufacturing, while tackling the common misconceptions that catch new founders out. If you want a realistic, no-nonsense overview before investing serious time or money, this masterclass will give you the clarity and confidence to take your next steps. Register to secure your free Zoom place.
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital / Fashion-Enter Ltd
