ATMF Champions a Stronger Future for UK Manufacturing at Source Fashion
The Apparel & Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF) took centre stage at the opening day of Source Fashion as ATMF Chair Jenny Holloway, also CEO of Fashion-Enter Ltd (FEL), took part in an important industry conversation calling for greater collaboration, recognition and investment in UK garment manufacturing.
Joining Suzanne Ellingham, Event Director at Hyve Group, and Salli Deighton, Founder of LaundRe, Jenny participated in the discussion The Reality of Manufacturing in the UK, providing a candid assessment of both the strengths of British manufacturing and the challenges that continue to hold the sector back.
Drawing on her experience as both CEO of FEL and Chair of the ATMF, Jenny used the platform to reinforce the federation’s mission: to unite manufacturers, brands, educators and industry organisations behind a shared ambition to grow and strengthen UK apparel and textile production.
The panel challenged outdated perceptions surrounding the cost and capacity of UK manufacturing, demonstrating how British factories continue to offer brands flexibility, speed to market, transparency and sustainable production solutions that are increasingly relevant in today’s fashion landscape.
Reflecting on the discussion, Jenny said:
“There is so much opportunity in UK manufacturing. We have the skills, the flexibility and the ability to respond quickly to trends, yet too many businesses still believe it’s not possible. We need to start making more noise about what this sector can do.”
The honest and open conversation clearly resonated with the audience, with many attendees approaching Jenny afterwards to thank her for speaking frankly about the realities facing manufacturers.
“It was a brutally honest discussion,” she said. “After the event, so many people came up to me simply to thank me for being honest and transparent. Those conversations are exactly what our industry needs.”
Throughout the discussion, Jenny emphasised many of the priorities that sit at the heart of the ATMF. The first part of the panel focused on why brands should consider manufacturing in the UK. Jenny highlighted the advantages that domestic production offers, including fast-track development, one-piece flow manufacturing, made-to-order capabilities, shorter lead times, complete transparency and the flexibility to react quickly to changing consumer demand.
These are precisely the strengths the ATMF continues to champion as it works to raise awareness of Britain’s manufacturing capabilities and encourage brands to source closer to home.
The conversation then moved to one of the federation’s core concerns: the fragmented nature of representation across the UK fashion industry. Speaking from both her role leading FEL and as Chair of the ATMF, Jenny argued that manufacturers, brands and trade organisations must work far more collaboratively if the sector is to reach its full potential.
Recent comments regarding the British Fashion Council (BFC) have prompted debate across the industry, but Jenny was keen to clarify that her position is one of collaboration rather than criticism.
“I absolutely believe the UK needs the British Fashion Council to support the incredible creative talent we have in this country,” she explained. “What I’m questioning is the lack of acknowledgement, collaboration and engagement with the garment manufacturing sector.”
She questioned why greater emphasis has been placed on overseas manufacturing relationships while many of Britain’s own factories remain overlooked.
“I would love Laura Weir to come to Leicester so I can introduce her to some of the incredible manufacturers we have here. I’ve been trying to arrange a meeting with the BFC since April because I genuinely believe there is an opportunity to work together.”
Jenny was equally keen to acknowledge the support the British Fashion Council recently provided Fashion-Enter Ltd during an intellectual property matter.
“They were fantastic in supporting us during that situation, and I want to recognise that. This isn’t personal. My goal is simply to champion UK manufacturing because I believe our sector deserves to be recognised alongside British fashion design.”
The final section of the panel looked beyond today’s challenges and focused on practical solutions. As Chair of the ATMF, Jenny outlined the need for stronger procurement strategies that encourage UK sourcing, trusted manufacturing resources that give brands confidence to produce domestically, and greater collaboration between existing organisations across fashion, textiles and manufacturing.
Rather than creating further division, she called for a united approach where manufacturers speak with one voice and work collectively to raise the profile of British production.
Jenny also suggested that Source Fashion, under the leadership of Suzanne Ellingham, has an important role to play in bringing the sector together through open dialogue and industry-wide collaboration.
The ATMF believes the UK already possesses the skills, technical expertise and manufacturing infrastructure needed to support a thriving domestic fashion industry. What is now required is a coordinated strategy that connects designers, brands, manufacturers, educators and policymakers behind a common vision and Source Fashion provided the ideal platform to begin that conversation.
As the ATMF continues to grow its membership and influence under the chairmanship of Jenny Holloway, its message remains clear: UK manufacturing is not a sector in decline – it is a sector full of opportunity. By working together, celebrating manufacturing excellence and championing British production, the industry can build a stronger, more resilient future for fashion made in the UK.