A big thank you to Kate Hills, Founder of Make it British, for creating this video of the ‘Why Onshoring Works for People, Planet, and Profit’ panel discussion that took place during Leicester Made trade event on 14th May 2025. Kate has extensive industry experience from running her own brand to working for well-known, high street chains. Over the last 15-years she has promoted Make It British, an online blog and resource, as well as put on Meet the Manufacturer and Make It British Live! trade events. Kate has a longstanding, loyal relationship with the British supply chain up and down the country and is dedicated to shining a spotlight on this skilled, diverse and often overlooked community.

This panel discussion from the Leicester Made 2025 event brings together some of the UK’s most experienced fashion industry leaders and Leicester manufacturers to ask the big question: If onshoring works for people, planet and profit, why aren’t more brands doing it?

Chaired by Jenny Holloway, CEO of Fashion Capital and Fashion Enter, the panel featured:

Nick Beighton, Ex CEO of ASOS and Matches Fashion, now Chairman at Secret Sales

Kate Hills, Founder of Make it British

Jake Hall, Founder and Creative Director of By Jake Hall

Caren Downie, Founder and Director of Yaw Studio

Bill McRaith, Executive Advisor at Future Proof Fashion

Fiona Lambert, President of The Twenty Club and author

Mick Cheema, General Manager of Leicester based manufacturer Basic Premier

The panellists shared how UK manufacturing already delivers on speed, agility, quality and transparency and why it makes commercial sense for more brands to bring production home. From small independent labels to big name retailers, the opportunities are there for those willing to do things differently. There was also a clear call to action: Buyers need to commit. Government needs to support. And the industry needs to tell a better story. If we want real change, we have to get the public behind UK manufacturing and show the value of the people, the skills and the businesses keeping it alive.

Video Credit – Kate Hills @MakeitBritishLtd