ATMF Showcases Leicester Manufacturing Strength at Source Fashion

The Apparel and Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF) proudly represented Leicester-made fashion at the latest three-day edition of Source Fashion, 13th – 15th January 2026, held at Olympia London, with strong interest from buyers, brands and start-ups seeking UK manufacturing solutions.

ATMF hosted a dedicated stand featuring eight Leicester-based manufacturers and brands, providing a powerful collective showcase of the city’s garment-making capability. Throughout the event, the stand attracted consistent footfall, with buyers keen to explore transparent, responsible and locally produced fashion. Feedback from participating businesses was extremely positive, with many reporting meaningful conversations and new commercial leads.

The event itself closed on a high, recording a 16% increase in visitors and a 12% rise in exhibitors, reflecting growing momentum behind responsible sourcing and onshore production. Buyers from major high-street and independent brands attended across all three days, reinforcing Source Fashion’s role as a key meeting point for UK manufacturing.

Raising the profile of Leicester-made fashion

ATMF’s presence at Source Fashion played an important role in elevating the profile of Leicester as a centre for garment production, helping to challenge outdated perceptions and demonstrate the quality, flexibility and commercial viability of manufacturing in the city.

By bringing Leicester manufacturers together under one banner, ATMF enabled visitors to see the breadth of skills available locally from sampling and small-batch production to scalable manufacturing – while also highlighting the city’s commitment to ethical working practices and compliance.

Positive outlook for Leicester manufacturing

The strong buyer engagement seen at Source Fashion reflects a wider shift across the industry, with brands increasingly interested in producing closer to home, improving transparency and reducing risk in their supply chains.

For ATMF and its Leicester members, the show demonstrated growing demand for British-made garments and reinforced the value of collective representation at national trade events. As Source Fashion looks ahead to its next edition in July 2026, ATMF remains committed to championing Leicester manufacturing, supporting local businesses and strengthening the city’s reputation as a hub for skilled, responsible fashion production.