Fashion Hub and ATMF Concludes 2025 Seminar and Networking Series with a Textiles Masterclass from Niall Maplesden
Fashion Hub Leicester, in partnership with the Apparel & Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF), brought its 2025 seminar programme to a strong close with a final seminar and networking event held on 19th December 2025. The session welcomed Leicester-based designers, start-ups and scale-up brands for a practical and informative deep dive into fabric knowledge, exploring textiles from fibre through to finished fabric.
The seminar was delivered by Niall Maplesden, founder of The Knowledge Nexus Limited and a highly regarded expert in textiles, materials and fabric performance. With attendees joining both in person and online, the event ensured accessibility for fashion businesses at varying stages of development.
Building Practical Fabric Knowledge
Hosted at the FTA Fashion Hub, located on the second floor of Phoenix House in Leicester, the session focused on a key challenge facing many emerging fashion brands: gaining the confidence and understanding needed to make informed fabric choices.
For both start-up and scale-up businesses, this knowledge is critical, directly impacting garment quality, sustainability, performance, cost efficiency and consumer trust. Throughout the seminar, Niall translated complex textile concepts into clear, practical insights that designers could immediately apply to their own collections.
Key Areas of Focus
Topics explored during the session included:
- The importance of fibre selection and how it underpins brand identity, performance and sustainability
- The impact of spinning methods on fabric behaviour and what designers should be asking suppliers
- Knitted versus woven fabrics, and how structure affects durability, wear and function
- Dyeing and printing processes, with an emphasis on maintaining and enhancing fabric quality
- Emerging developments and innovations in textiles, helping brands stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry
The seminar encouraged open discussion and hands-on questioning, enabling attendees to communicate more effectively with manufacturers, mills and fabric suppliers.
Positive Participant Feedback
Feedback from attendees reflected the value of the session:
“10 out of 10. Very informative and this helped me with info to start my business and brand.”
“As a novice on the manufacturing side of the fashion business it was great to gain more understanding.”
“I have learnt a lot and would like to learn more / attend more.”
“I learnt that spider silk is bullet proof. Enjoyed everything.”
Continuing Support for Leicester’s Fashion Sector
This final seminar of 2025 reinforced Fashion Hub Leicester’s ongoing commitment to skills development, industry knowledge and community support, helping local fashion businesses grow ethically, confidently and sustainably.
Through continued collaboration with ATMF and industry specialists such as Niall Maplesden, Fashion-Enter Ltd and FTA remain dedicated to delivering practical, industry-led education tailored to the needs of Leicester’s fashion and textile ecosystem.
Looking ahead to 2026, the programme will continue with the upcoming masterclass New Designers: How to Work Successfully With UK Factories, led by Caroline Trend, further supporting designers as they prepare to move from concept to production.