ATMF Meeting Showcases Collaboration and a Growing Sense of Community
8th December 2025 – FTA Fashion Hub Leicester
The Apparel and Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF) convened its monthly industry meeting today at the FTA Fashion Hub in Leicester, bringing together garment factories and emerging designers for an afternoon of updates, collaboration, and forward planning. The strong turnout reflects the growing cohesion within Leicester’s manufacturing community and a renewed focus on practical action for the sector’s future.
The meeting opened with introductions before moving swiftly into matters arising and several significant announcements that will shape early 2026.
Key initiatives discussed included:
- Leicester Made and Regions showcase – 24/25th April 2026 at De Montfort University
A two-day event that will spotlight Leicester’s manufacturing excellence, with one day dedicated to industry engagement and one day focused on consumers. - Garment & Textiles Workers Trust Update
Continued development of support programmes for workers and ethical manufacturing within the region. - Source Fashion Event – Olympia, London – 13th & 15th January 2026
ATMF confirmed that 10 free exhibition stands have again been successfully secured, ensuring Leicester factories can be represented at no cost. - UKSPF Programme Update
Progress continues on funding and skills development opportunities for the sector. - Public Procurement Contracts
A key discussion point, highlighting momentum around enabling UK manufacturers to access larger-scale public sector orders. Positive feedback was shared following the 21st November meeting with Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor, Secretary of State for Justice and MP for Tottenham, David Lammy, where “Made in the UK” advocacy was strongly encouraged. - Budget Update – November 2025
Members reviewed the Chancellor’s comments and potential implications for manufacturing and industry support. - Skills Boot Camp Progress
Ongoing delivery of training pathways for future garment and textile workers. - Local Sales Event – 11 December 2025
Leicester brands will be showcased at the Haymarket Shopping Centre in the run-up to the festive season.
A notable announcement was ATMF’s commitment to supporting two Leicester designers currently facing hardship, one recently made redundant and another struggling to continue trading. Through the support of Shehzaad and his business, both designers will receive free professional websites on the Leicester Made platform, giving them a renewed digital presence and commercial opportunity.
Shehzaad also confirmed he will personally book a two-night stay in London to assist Leicester factories exhibiting at the Source event in January, ensuring they are fully represented during meetings and procurement discussions.
This spirit of collaboration, generosity, and practical support was widely acknowledged during the members’ meeting.
Reflecting on the meeting, Shehzaad Valli commented: “Thank you to everyone who attended the ATMF monthly update meeting at the Fashion Hub today. We had an excellent turnout with 12 factories confirming attendance plus 2 new designers.
“This was a proactive meeting looking at new ways forward and I was very pleased to hear Jenny’s comments regarding progression with public procurement contracts. The meeting with David Lammy on 21st November sounds particularly interesting, and we aim to pursue Made in the UK vigorously.
“I shall be fully supporting the Source event in London in January and have booked a two-night stay so we can represent the factories at this major event.
“I’m also delighted to hear the plans for the Leicester Made and region event on the 24th and 25th of April at DMU.
“There is real progression and a sense of can-do positive attitude with all factories today. Now we all need orders to start flowing!”
The ATMF will reconvene at its next scheduled meeting to continue driving this collaborative progress.