Impactful, Optimistic and Connected
29-04-2026
Newsletter 29th April 2026
Fantastic Response to Leicester Made & Regions 2026
Leicester Made & Regions 2026, held at De Montfort University last Friday 24th April, marked its most impactful edition yet, bringing together brands, manufacturers, educators and policymakers to strengthen UK fashion and textile supply chains. Organised by Fashion-Enter Ltd and Apparel & Textile Manufacturers Federation, the event reflected a renewed sense of optimism and unity across the sector.
A key highlight was the CEO Roundtable, featuring contributions from Shockat Adam MP and Rosie Wrighting MP, which resulted in a clear set of actionable industry priorities. The exhibition also saw increased participation from UK manufacturers and brands, alongside the launch of the new transparency platform “In Factories We Trust,” aimed at improving visibility and accountability across the supply chain. A sincere thank you goes to all that took part and attended whose engagement, collaboration and shared ambition helped unify the industry and drive this momentum forward.
Shockat Adam MP commented: “It was an absolute pleasure to co-host the Leicester Made & Regions CEO Roundtable. The passion, desire and commitment were there for all to see. Now comes the action to turn discussion into delivery.
“Having grown up surrounded by bustling factories, I know firsthand just how much this industry means to Leicester and beyond. That’s why I’ll proudly continue supporting the sector in Parliament. As I said to Fashion-Enter’s young trainees, we will get there – one stitch at a time.”
Feedback from attendees highlighted the event’s collaborative energy and real business impact. Elizabeth Brandwood, Head of Operations at UK Style3D and Events Director at ASBCI, said:
“The true power of Leicester Made was seeing everyone—manufacturers, mills, associations, brands, and retailers—working together to make a real difference for UK manufacturing. The panel discussions were packed with actionable insights, offering forward-thinking advice to put directly into practice. If there is one major takeaway from the event, it is that we work better as a team. By coming together, we have the collective strength to drive meaningful change, and Style3D is incredibly proud to be part of that collaboration.”
Read more about the event and view the images here
Read All About It
Leicester Made & Regions has been causing an industry stir with lots of commentary on socials and press coverage…
An Exciting New Era For Rapid Knitwear Production
Fashion-Enter Ltd (FEL) has partnered with MAEKNIT to deliver a new, fully integrated approach to rapid knitwear production, combining MAEKNIT’s expertise in swatching, development, and knitwear manufacturing with FEL’s capabilities in cut & sew. Operating from facilities in New York City and FEL’s Haringey site in London, the collaboration enables brands to work directly with specialists under one roof, offering no minimum order quantities, flexible production pathways, and access to grading expertise. Sampling can be completed in as little as four weeks for knitwear and just two to three days for cut & sew, with short-run bulk orders delivered in two to four weeks.
Powered by MAEKNIT’s global factory marketplace, brands gain greater control over how and where they produce, while FEL continues to expand its offering with a new large-scale cut & sew knitwear unit currently in development. CEO Jenny Holloway described the partnership as the start of “a new era,” highlighting its speed, flexibility, and success in supporting emerging and established brands. Together, FEL and MAEKNIT invite knitwear and cut & sew labels to take advantage of this streamlined, responsive production model.
Interested in this service? Please fill out the onboarding form on MAEKNIT’s website or get in touch with FEL – we’re ready to help. thefactory@fashion-enter.com (+44) 0208 809 3311
FEL X UHUMANS Initiative
(Miss England with Jenny Holloway and Reshma Desai, Global Project Director, UHUMANS 2050 & The Vayyu Foundation)
Fashion-Enter Ltd has partnered with UHUMANS on an innovative initiative that transforms fashion industry waste into reusable period products, tackling both environmental impact and period poverty. In Leicester alone, around 3,000 girls miss school due to lack of access to essential hygiene products, contributing to an estimated 37,000 lost education days each year. At the same time, billions of single-use menstrual products, many containing up to 90% plastic, are discarded annually across the UK. By repurposing surplus and end-of-roll fabrics, the partnership will manufacture high-quality, reusable pads, reducing reliance on disposable products while offering a practical, long-term solution for those in need.
Launching initially as a pilot in Leicester with ambitions to scale nationwide, the collaboration highlights the power of circular thinking and cross-industry innovation. Jennifer Holloway, CEO of FEL, emphasised the importance of purpose-driven manufacturing, while UHUMANS described the project as “the beginning of a movement” connecting fashion, sustainability and humanitarian aid. Together, the initiative aims to cut waste, restore dignity, and return thousands of lost school days to young people across the UK.
The Great British Wool Revival Summit
Fashion Roundtable has announced The Great British Wool Revival Summit, taking place on 20th May in collaboration with The King’s Foundation at the historic Dumfries House. As the first “farm to fashion” event of its kind, this landmark summit will bring together farmers, manufacturers, designers, brands and innovators for a unique “clip to consumer” experience. With a curated programme of panel discussions, workshops and live demonstrations, the event is designed to spark collaboration, share best practice and strengthen connections across the British wool supply chain, with a particular focus on provenance, craftsmanship and regeneration.
Part of the wider Great British Wool Revival initiative founded by Tamara Cincik, the summit will also feature a curated farmer-to-maker matchmaking element to encourage meaningful partnerships across industries. Confirmed speakers include Kate Hills and Kirsty McGregor, with further names to be announced. With a strictly limited guest list to ensure high-quality engagement, this event represents a key milestone in championing British wool and building a more connected, resilient UK textile sector.
Tap here for an Industry Day ticket
And here for an Education Day ticket
Level 3 Diploma in Creative Practice Course Starting In September
Applications are now open at the Islington campus of the Fashion Technology Academy for the UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Creative Practice starting in September 2026. Devised for 16 – 18 year olds the course provides a hands-on pathway into higher education in art and design, combining practical workshops, industry-standard techniques, research projects and opportunities to build strong presentation skills.
Tap on the link to find out more about the course, if you would like to meet the team, ask questions, visit the campus and try out the equipment upcoming Open Days will be held on:
All between 10am–2pm at FC Designer Workspace, 9 Durham Road, Islington, London, N7 7FB. Early registration is advised as places are limited.
Successful SEG Awards External Moderation
On 1 April 2026, FEL successfully completed its moderation with the Skills and Education Group for Levels 1 and 2 in Fashion and Textiles, receiving outstanding feedback. External Moderator Jan Wise praised the centre’s high standards, detailed learner workbooks, and the strong focus on employability, noting that all work reviewed exceeded required levels and demonstrated exceptional quality across both samples and finished garments.
The report highlighted key strengths including dedicated teaching staff, thorough internal verification, and high-quality learner outcomes, with students well-prepared for both employment and entrepreneurial pathways. Head of Education Lan Leeder commended the result, recognising the team’s continued commitment to delivering an engaging, industry-relevant learning experience.
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
1 and 2 Day Courses / Workshops:
30th April (Every Thursday) – Drop In Sewing and Pattern Cutting – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
1st May – Introduction to Pattern Making: Darted Bodice with Sleeves – FTA Haringey – £45 + eventbrite fee
2nd May – Saturday Corset Making Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
6th & 7th May – 2-Day Introduction to Pattern Making: Collars and Sleeves – FTA Haringey – £70 + eventbrite fee
8th May – ReFAB X FEL Free Tote Bag, Zip or Cosmetic Purse Workshop – FC Designer Workspace
For all course enquiries contact: education@fashion-enter.com or call 0208 809 3311
This Week on FashionCapital…
Trend Report: Accessories Summer Through to Autumn 2026
And Finally…
Wish us luck this evening as Fashion-Enter Ltd has been nominated for the Small Business Growth Awards with HSBC and the FSB. Shortlisted in the Community Award category, CEO Jenny Holloway will be attending what promises to be a prestigious and celebratory event.
Wishing you a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital / Fashion-Enter Ltd
