Leicester Manufacturers Engage with New Transparency and Compliance Initiative

Garment manufacturers across Leicester are taking part in a new programme of ethical compliance visits designed to support transparency, continuous improvement and greater confidence in UK garment production.

Delivered through the Leicester Forward project, the visits are being undertaken by Fashion-Enter Ltd’s Head of Compliance, TJ Hussein, as part of the development of In Factories We Trust – an industry transparency platform created collaboratively by the Apparel and Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF), De Montfort University, Fashion Roundtable and SP&KO, with funding support from the Garment and Textile Workers Trust.

The initiative has been developed to help strengthen trust in UK manufacturing by providing a clear framework through which factories can demonstrate their commitment to ethical production, responsible business practices and ongoing improvement.

The first round of factory assessments took place on 8th and 9th June 2026, with four Leicester-based manufacturers participating in the programme. Further visits are now scheduled throughout the summer, with all participating factories expected to be assessed before the end of August.

Each assessment follows a structured compliance framework covering key areas including working practices, policies, documentation, operational procedures and factory standards. Following the visit, each business receives an individual report together with a tailored corrective action plan designed to support continuous improvement and long-term compliance.

The programme has been designed not only to review existing standards but also to provide practical guidance and support to help manufacturers strengthen their operations and prepare for increased transparency across the supply chain.

Commenting on the initial visits, TJ Hussein said: “I began my ethical compliance site visits this week, attending the first four factories in Leicester. It has been a very positive experience so far, with each business demonstrating a willingness to engage constructively. The areas identified for improvement at each site will be detailed within an individual report produced for each facility. These reports will include a corrective action plan outlining the required improvements to support ongoing compliance and continuous development.

“I look forward to continuing these visits over the coming month. My aim is to support each business to the best of my ability, in helping them achieve and maintain the highest ethical compliance standards. I have been encouraged by the positive approach shown so far and look forward to working with each site over the coming weeks.”

As part of the assessment process, photographic evidence is collected to support the inspection reports and corrective action plans. These images remain confidential and are used solely for audit verification purposes.

The Leicester Forward project reflects a shared commitment from industry partners to build greater transparency and accountability within UK garment manufacturing while ensuring factories are supported throughout the process. The forthcoming In Factories We Trust platform will provide participating manufacturers with the opportunity to showcase their commitment to ethical production, demonstrate progress against agreed actions and strengthen engagement with brands, retailers and wider stakeholders.

For Leicester’s manufacturing community, the initiative represents an important opportunity to highlight the positive work already taking place across the sector while creating a framework for continuous development and improvement. As the programme progresses throughout the summer, Leicester Forward continues to focus on supporting manufacturers, encouraging transparency and reinforcing Leicester’s reputation as a centre of responsible, high-quality UK garment production.