Leicester Made & Regions 2026 – Read What Exhibitors Speakers and Attendees Said About the Event

Shockat Adam Independent MP for Leicester South:

“It was an absolute pleasure to co-host the Leicester Made and 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.”

Amy Edmonstone, Senior Sourcing Lead  – ESG, Sourcing & Quality at Debenhams Group:

“The Debenhams Group is proud to support UK manufacturing through our network of 24 factories. By manufacturing locally, we enable our factory partners to invest in skilled local workforces and communities, while our on‑the‑ground ethical compliance team work closely with factories day to day to uphold high standards, transparency and responsible practices across our supply chain.”

Carolyn Hardaker, Head of School of Design Innovation, De Montfort University:

“Leicester Made and Regions is a fantastic showcase of the strength of our local manufacturing sector, and we were proud to be part of both the event itself and the movement to champion our local makers. For DMU, it reflects the close partnerships we have with industry, which shape our teaching and create real opportunities for our students and graduates.

“Events like this bring that connection to life, creating opportunities for collaboration, innovation and real-world success stories to emerge.”

Kirsty Connor, Buying Director, Never Fully Dressed:

“Never Fully Dressed has always championed high-quality, ethically made garments, proudly crafted by skilled factories in the UK. We were so grateful to attend such a collaborative and inspiring event, and to connect with partners who can match the speed and agility our brand requires. We look forward to next year!”

Elizabeth Brandwood, Head of Operations at UK Style3D and Events Director at ASBCI:

“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.”