Join us for an exciting and impactful day celebrating innovation, ethics, and sustainability in UK fashion and manufacturing.

Here’s what’s in store:

🕘 9:00 | Trade show opens

🎤 9:30–9:35 | Welcome & Introduction to Leicester Made 2025
Hear from local leaders and industry pioneers as we set the tone for the day.

Speakers:

Jenny Holloway, CEO, Fashion-Enter

Simon Platts, Co-Founder, SP &KO Limited

Peter Chandler, Head of Economic Regeneration, Leicester Council

Cllr Elly Cutkelvin, Deputy City Mayor, Leicester Council

9:35–9:45 | Keynote from ASBCI
Hear from The Association of Suppliers to the British Clothing Industry (ASBCI) on how they are bringing together businesses from across the fashion and textile supply chain.

💬 9:45–10:30 | Panel: Ethics in Fashion
A powerful discussion on transparency, fair wages, and responsible sourcing in UK manufacturing.

Speakers include:

Peter Chandler, Head of Economic Regeneration, Leicester Council

Mark Randle, Galaxius Systems Ltd., Founder & CEO

Sarah Woodcock, The Anti Slavery Collective, Chief Executive Officer

Tamara Cincik, Fashion Roundtable, CEO & Founder

Jennifer Wascak, Justice In Fashion, Co-founder and Managing Director

🧵 10.30-11.00 | Meet the Manufacturer – Live Elevator Pitches from Leicester’s Makers

In a rapid-fire session of five-minute elevator pitches, local manufacturers will take to the stage to introduce their businesses, showcase their specialisms, and highlight how they are innovating in today’s competitive apparel and textiles industry.

Meet the Manufacturer is your chance to discover the capabilities, craftsmanship, and collaborations driving Leicester’s production ecosystem forward.

Whether you’re a brand looking for a new supplier, a designer seeking production support, or simply curious about what’s made right here in the Midlands — this is the place to make connections that count.

💡 11:00–11:30 | Technology Keynotes
Hear from Style3D, ASSYST, and Alvanon on the latest innovations in fashion tech.

🤖 11:30–12:15 | Panel: Unlocking Innovation in the Apparel Industry
Explore the future of fashion with AI, digital transformation, and automation.

Speakers include:

Mar Fernandez, Alvanon, Market Development Consultant Director

Naeem Riaz, Founder at Loop Kinetics Ltd, Co-Founder at Maeknit Inc (US)

Maggie Chen, Style3D | ASSYST, Partner

Louise Laing, Phygital Twin, Founder

Danny Gazit, Kornit Digital, Chief Product Officer

12:20 – 12:50 | Fashion Show Hosted By Leicester Fashion Week

12:30–14:00 | Exclusive Factory Tour with Kornit Digital An invite-only session to get behind the scenes at The T-Shirt Factory to see digital production in action.

🌍 13:00–13:15 | Sustainability Keynote
Guy Yaniv, President of Kornit EMEA, shares insights on sustainable growth through digital transformation.♻️

13:15–14:00 | Panel: Reimagining Fashion Through Sustainable Change
Discover how brands are designing with purpose and planning for a better tomorrow.

Speakers include:

Simon Platts, SP &KO Limited, Co-Founder

Paul Kerssens, United Repair Centre, COO

Salli Deighton, LaundRE, Founder

Alex Simpson, Universal Music Group, Product Development Manager

Chris Desai, UOCEAN, CEO

🏭 14:05–14:45 | Onshoring Keynote
Bill McRaith discusses why the UK is primed for a reshoring revolution in apparel manufacturing.🌱

14:45–15:30 | Panel: Why Onshoring Works for People, Planet, and Profit
Explore the economic, environmental, and logistical benefits of localised production.

Speakers include:

Bill McRaith, Future-Proof Fashion, Executive Advisor

Jake Hall, By Jake Hall, Founder & Creative Director

Kate Hills, Make it British, Consultant

Nick Beighton, Ex CEO ASOS, EX CEO Matches Fashion, Chairman Secret Sales, Ecommerce/Digital Business Builder

Fiona Lambert, The Twenty Club, President and Author

Caren Downie, Yaw Studio, Founder and Director

🧠 16:00–17:00 | CEO Roundtable (Meeting Room) An invite-only session attended by MP for Leicester West Liz Kendall, tackling big industry issues with key leaders.🏭

17:10 – 17:45 | Fashion Show Hosted By Leicester Fashion Week

🎶 17:30–21:00 | Evening Networking Drinks & Live Music

Relax, connect, and celebrate the day with music, refreshments, and more.

Event Details

📅 Date: Wednesday, 14th May 2025
📍 Location: Athena, Queen St, Leicester LE1 1QD
🕘 Time: 9:00 – 21:00