Leicester Made & Regions 2026: Connection, Collaboration and Momentum for Made in the UK
Leicester Made & Regions took place at De Montfort University on 24th April 2026, delivering its most impactful edition to date. Organised by Fashion-Enter Ltd (FEL) and the Apparel & Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF), the event brought together an outstanding line up of industry professionals spanning brands, manufacturers, innovators, educators and policymakers, reinforcing its position as a key platform for UK fashion and textile supply chain engagement.
This year’s event marked a notable shift in tone, with attendees highlighting a renewed sense of optimism and unity across the sector. Set within De Montfort University, the venue provided an enhanced environment for connection and exchange, with a single-floor layout improving navigation and encouraging consistent footfall throughout the day.
The day commenced with a networking breakfast hosted by De Montfort University, setting a collaborative tone from the outset. Opening addresses from Leicester City Council’s Director of Tourism Culture and Economy, Peter Chandler and Local Councillor – Elly Cutkelvin, acknowledged the challenging UK economic backdrop while reinforcing a message of resilience and forward momentum within the sector.
(Image of CEO Roundtable by Beth Davy-Day)
A central highlight of the programme was the CEO Roundtable, held under Chatham House Rules and attended at full capacity. Contributions from Rosie Wrighting MP and Shockat Adam MP were particularly well received, offering valuable insight into the state of UK manufacturing and government perspectives. The session culminated in a refined set of “three ASKs” for industry, signalling a more focused and actionable approach than in previous years.
Shockat Adam MP commented:
“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.”
Across the exhibition floor, there was a noticeable shift in exhibitor profile, with an increased presence of UK manufacturers aligning more closely with the event’s core objective of strengthening domestic supply chains. Brands in attendance included Tu, Next, Tesco, Morrisons, N Brown Group, Raging Bull Leisure, Never Fully Dressed, ASOS, Burberry, Oliver Bonas and OMNES, alongside a significant increase in SME participation, many actively seeking UK manufacturing partnerships.
Interactive sessions, including contributions from ReFAB Studio and designer John Herrera, were well attended, while exhibitors reported tangible business opportunities generated during the event. New and innovative brands were also showcased, highlighting the evolving landscape of UK design and production.
The panel discussion programme encouraged open and, at times, provocative dialogue, with audience participation welcomed as a means of addressing real-time industry challenges. This approach was widely praised by attendees, reinforcing the need for honest, solution-driven conversations to move the sector forward.
A key announcement during the event was the launch of a new transparent industry website entitled “In Factories We Trust”, developed collaboratively by ATMF, De Montfort University, Fashion Roundtable and SP&KO, with funding support from Garment and Textile Workers Trust. The platform aims to improve visibility, accountability and access across the UK supply chain.
The day concluded with a fireside chat featuring Jennifer Holloway – FEL / ATMF, Simon Platts – SP&KO, and Suzanne Ellingham – Source Fashion / Hyve Group, delivering candid reflections on the state of the industry and the path ahead. A closing drinks reception, supported by Source Fashion, provided a fitting end, bringing together attendees in a relaxed and celebratory setting.
One of the strongest messages to emerge from the event was the urgent need for greater industry alignment. As highlighted throughout the discussions, the current landscape of multiple competing trade bodies risks diluting impact, with a unified voice seen as essential to effectively engage government and drive meaningful change.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many citing the event’s energy, relevance and collaborative spirit. Comments highlighted the quality of discussion, the value of new connections, and the growing momentum within Leicester’s textile and manufacturing sector.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Jenny Holloway, CEO of Fashion-Enter Ltd and Chair of ATMF, stated:
“Leicester Made & Regions exceeded all expectations. We had 86 participants this year with increased attendance from big brands too. We want these events to be intimate, hard hitting and relevant to industry needs today, and that’s why the stellar line-up of guest speakers was so important. The CEO Roundtable was packed, and the insights shared were invaluable. The three ASKs are now in progress but equally, as an industry, we must come together in unity. Our voices are currently too fragmented for government to act effectively. A huge thank you to all our partners and sponsors- roll on 2027.”
Carolyn Hardaker, Head of School of Design Innovation, De Montfort University added:
“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 commented:
“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 said:
“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.”
Leicester Made & Regions 2026 was supported by key partners including the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Leicester City Council, Garment and Textile Workers Trust, Alvanon, De Montfort University, Source Fashion, Style3D, ASBCI, Fashion-Enter Ltd and ATMF.
The In Factories We Trust website will be going live in September 2026 following visits to factories for verification of transparent practices.
In addition, the ATMF has a bid currently in work for a public procurement order that is valued at £60m. These much needed pertinent initiatives will bring orders to the trusted factories that will in turn create much needed jobs for the economy. This is a new defining era for UK manufacturing!
Official Leicester Made & Regions 2026 images by Felicity West