An Invite To Meet Up in 30 Days!
25-03-2026
Newsletter 25th March 2026
5 (Very Good) Reasons Why You Need to Attend Leicester Made & Regions
With just 30 days until Leicester Made & Regions (LM&R) on 24th April, now is the time to secure your place at the UK’s leading fashion manufacturing event.
Why LM&R matters…
1. Power the UK Economy
Support British industry by connecting directly with UK manufacturers and suppliers driving regional growth.
2. Champion Homegrown Skills
Discover the craftsmanship and technical expertise that make UK production globally respected.
3. Cut Your Carbon Footprint
Shorter supply chains mean lower emissions – onshore production is a smarter, more sustainable choice.
4. Build on British Heritage
From heritage techniques to modern innovation, see how UK manufacturing is evolving for the future.
5. Navigate Global Uncertainty
With ongoing geopolitical pressures and supply chain disruption, there’s never been a better time to source closer to home.
Join industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers for a day of insight, collaboration, and opportunity at Leicester Made & Regions.
Leicester Made & Regions 24th April 2026 at The Venue, De Montfort University.
For more information on Leicester Made and Regions and to register to attend tap here.
For further information, exhibiting opportunities or press enquiries, please contact: beth@fashion-enter.com
New LM&R Speaker Announcement
Through a series of panel discussions and forums, Leicester Made & Regions 2026 will tackle critical topics shaping the future of fashion. We are thrilled to announce that Shaunacy Burne, Corporate Donations Manager, Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd will be joining our growing list of panel speakers.
The strong line-up of industry experts will lead discussions and share insights and will include:
- Jill Geoghegan – Editor, Drapers
- Joseph Mountain – Sustainability Manager, N Brown Group
- Tamara Sender Ceron – Associate Principal Fashion Retail Research, Mintel
- Suzanne Ellingham – Director, Source Fashion / Hyve Group
- Emma Finamore – Features Editor, Drapers
- Simon Platts – Co-Founder, SP&KO Responsible Sourcing & ESG Consultancy
Additional speakers and industry leaders will be announced in the lead-up to the event.
LM&R Business Breakfast Sponsor: De Montfort University
We’re delighted to announce De Montfort University as the host of the Leicester Made Business Breakfast, kicking off LM&R on 24th April at 9:00am.
Open to registered attendees, this informal session brings together industry and academia to connect, share insights, and explore the future of UK textile manufacturing. Discover how DMU supports innovation through research, talent, and industry collaboration while networking with key players shaping the sector.
Community Update: Repair & Upcycling Sessions Continue
We’re pleased to share that Islington Council will continue to support our free drop-in Repair & Upcycling sessions at the FC Designer Collective shop on Fonthill Road, north London.
Our latest session, held yesterday 24th March, welcomed 17 attendees, working on everything from re-hemming to repairs and alterations – giving new life to garments that might otherwise go unworn.
Join us at the next session on Tuesday 7th April and get involved.
Level 3 Open Days for 16–18 Year Olds
Applications are now open at the Fashion Technology Academy for 16–18 year olds looking to take their next step in creative education. The UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Creative Practice provide a hands-on route into higher education in art and design, combining practical workshops, industry-standard techniques, research projects, and opportunities to build presentation skills.
Upcoming Open Days will be held on Saturday 4th April, Saturday 9th May, and Thursday 16th July (10am–2pm). These sessions offer a chance to explore the campus, meet tutors and students, and gain advice on applications and future pathways.
Join us at FC Designer Workspace, 9 Durham Road, Islington, London, N7 7FB, and take the first step towards September 2026. Early registration is advised as places are limited.
Latest From Leicester…
Thinking of Launching a Fashion Brand?
On Monday 30th March (11am–12pm) the ATMF in collaboration with the FTA Leicester is hosting an insightful masterclass designed for anyone considering starting a fashion brand. Led by Caroline Trend, the session will cover everything from initial ideas and market research through to design, sourcing and manufacturing, this session offers a realistic overview of the full journey – highlighting key decisions, common pitfalls, and what it truly takes to get started with confidence. To join this free and insightful session from our experienced guest expert please register here.
Nurturing Leicester’s Designers & Brand Start Ups
On 20th March, the Apparel and Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF) welcomed emerging designer Giselle Kandekore for an introductory session focused on skills development, manufacturing support, and future collaboration. A recent De Montfort University graduate and founder of unisex streetwear brand ZELIE*, Giselle represents the next wave of creative talent committed to building within Leicester.
With ambitions to produce locally and sustainably, Giselle is working with ATMF and Fashion-Enter Ltd to strengthen her technical skills and progress towards commercial production. This collaboration highlights the importance of investing in young designers, connecting them with industry expertise, facilities, and local supply chains to ensure Leicester’s textile legacy continues to thrive through the next generation.
Supporting Learners Beyond the Classroom
At FTA Leicester, support extends far beyond technical training, with sessions designed to build confidence, awareness and wellbeing. Recently, learners took part in a powerful workshop on domestic abuse and bystander awareness, led by guest speaker Reshma Desai. The session encouraged open discussion, helping students recognise the signs of abuse, understand its wider impact, and feel empowered to support themselves and others. Feedback highlighted how valuable these conversations are, reinforcing our commitment to developing not just skilled professionals, but informed and confident individuals.
From Learning to Employment
The Skills Bootcamp in Fashion and Textiles course at the Leicester Fashion Hub not only equips learners with industry-standard garment production skills, but also prepares them for employment through CV guidance and interview support. Recently, 10 learners took part in a live interview and trial process with Denovo Sourcing Ltd for Junior Machinist roles, building confidence, gaining real-world experience, and taking an important step from training into the workplace. The FEL team and participants are now looking forward to hear who Denovo has selected.
Courses Workshops and Masterclasses
Roll-on courses:
Available at all campuses Islington, Haringey and Leicester.
UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Creative Practice
Sewing:
7th & 8th April – 2-day Introduction to Industrial Sewing and Garment Making – FC Designer Workspace – £70 + eventbrite fee
Fabric Manipulation and Textile Embellishment:
28th March – Fabric Manipulation and textile Embellishment Saturday Class – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
Pattern Cutting:
30th & 31st March – 2-Day Introduction to Pattern Making: Skirt and darted bodice block – FTA Haringey – £70 + eventbrite fee
Repair & Upcycling:
7th April – Free Repair and Upcycling Drop-In – FC Designer Collective shop – free
Masterclasses:
30th March – Thinking of Launching a Fashion Brand? – FTA Leicester, in-person masterclass – free
Open Day and Sewing Taster:
4th April – The Fashion Technology Academy Open Day (For 16-18 year olds interested in the UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Creative Practice) – FC Designer Workspace – free
9th April – Free Sewing Workshop for 16-18-year-olds wanting to know more about fashion and the Level 3 Diploma course – FC Designer Workspace – free
For all course enquiries contact: education@fashion-enter.com or call 0208 809 3311
This Week on FashionCapital…
Drip By Drip Challenges Fashion’s Intensive Water Use With New Industry Publication
And Finally…ReFAB Studio Workshop Series Continues
ReFAB Studio’s third workshop (of 12) takes place tomorrow, 26th March, delivered in collaboration with FEL and dedicated to the art of technical upcycling. Guided by expert tutors, learners are developing heritage skills that bridge the gap between hobbyist and professional, preserving craftsmanship in an increasingly automated world. These fully booked sessions highlight the growing demand for hands-on, vocational learning that empowers individuals with real, industry-relevant skills.
Future workshops are available, please register via our masterclasses / eventbrite page. Please note: sessions are free of charge, and we kindly ask for 48 hours’ notice if you can no longer attend, so the place can be offered to another member of the community.
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital / Fashion-Enter Ltd
