Friday 17th October was a milestone day for Leicester, one that shone a spotlight on the city’s skilled workforce, its manufacturing potential, and the community spirit that fuels both.

At the Fashion Technology Academy (FTA) in Leicester, the day included an uplifting certificate ceremony for Level 1–3 stitching learners. Dressed in their finest, the learners proudly celebrated the end of their training journey, many of them overcoming real financial challenges to get there.

Shockat Adam MP, Independent MP for Leicester South, was in attendance to personally present the certificates. His presence was more than symbolic, he spent time with each learner, listening to their stories, offering heartfelt encouragement, and sharing a message that stayed with everyone in the room:

“Improve one stitch at a time — and be the best you can be.”

The learners responded with warmth and pride. In true community fashion, they prepared and shared a homemade lunch, a deeply moving gesture from individuals who, despite limited means, went out of their way to honour the moment. It was a genuine celebration of effort, dignity and hope.

A Shared Vision for Manufacturing: ATMF and Industry Leaders Meet

Shockat Adam MP also joined leading manufacturers at the Apparel & Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF) meeting where the conversation shifted to the big picture: the future of UK manufacturing and Leicester’s vital role within it.

There was consensus across the room: Leicester has the skills, the speed, and the capacity to deliver. What it needs is investment, consistent orders, and strategic backing.

Key Issues Raised:

• Proven manufacturing capacity – Leicester-based factories are turning around 200–4,000 unit orders within two weeks.

• Skills are strong – thanks to training hubs like the FTA, a new generation of skilled workers is ready.

• The missing piece? Regular orders. Factories can’t thrive without predictable demand and retailer engagement.

• Retailers remain absent – despite efficiency and ethics on offer, major brands like Next and Marks & Spencer continue to source offshore.

“Why aren’t these brands supporting Made in Leicester? It’s ethical, fast, and makes commercial sense.”

Public Procurement: A Game-Changing Opportunity

A central topic was the £400 billion public procurement budget – a largely untapped opportunity for UK-based manufacturers.

If just 10% of that budget were redirected toward British-made PPE, uniforms and essential garments, the outcomes would be profound:

• Thousands of UK jobs secured and created

• Investment in technology, AI, and infrastructure

• Ethical supply chains with full transparency

• A rebirth of national pride in UK-made goods

Shockat Adam MP is now actively supporting a backbenchers debate led by Catherine West MP, aiming to shift procurement criteria from cheapest price to true economic and social value.

Working Together for a UK Manufacturing Revival

The manufacturers present made their message clear: they are ready and willing to deliver – they just need the chance. The ATMF committed to coordinating public sector contracts across UK factories to ensure fair access and high standards.

Agreed Next Steps:

• Empower ATMF as a fair distributor of public contracts among compliant UK manufacturers

• Strengthen political engagement with MPs including David Lammy and Catherine West

• Build a public-facing campaign to highlight the economic logic and ethical necessity of “Made in Britain”

• Share real stories of impact from Leicester to Parliament and beyond

Acknowledgements

This important day was made possible through the contributions of many, including:

• Shockat Adam MP, for his commitment to both people and policy

• The dedicated Leicester factory owners, who continue to push for positive change

• The brilliant FTA Leicester team — Divya Kamath, Jo Bean, Puja Singh, and Sanna Bux — who go above and beyond to train and uplift the next generation

Leicester: A City Ready to Deliver

Leicester stands at the crossroads of tradition and innovation with the speed, skill, passion and community to lead a UK manufacturing revival.

Now, it’s time for the government, retailers, and procurement leaders to back this potential with tangible commitment.