16 May FEL Hosts: Leicester Made 2025 – To Promote A Positive Way Forward for Made in the UK Fashion and Textiles
Taking place on 14 May 2025, over 1,000 industry leaders, retailers, manufacturers, designers, and policymakers gathered at Athena, Leicester, for Leicester Made 2025, a landmark celebration of the city’s fashion and textiles ecosystem. Organised by Fashion-Enter Ltd and supported by The Apparel and Textiles Manufacturing Federation, the event was proudly sponsored by Kornit Digital, Alvanon, Style3D, and ASBCI.
Alongside suppliers, manufacturers and brands, was a focus on community and eduction with the likes of emerging technology and industry apprenticeships, which played a vital role in showcasing how production skills are being taught and reinvigorated for the next generation of UK garment professionals.
With more than 60 exhibitors, Leicester Made 2025 demonstrated the power of collaboration across industry, education, and government. The event reaffirmed Leicester’s position as a critical hub in Britain’s fashion manufacturing renaissance—combining traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology and ethical practices.
FCFTA stood out at the event for its strong emphasis on vocational training and upskilling. Attendees were informed on how apprentices and young professionals are being equipped with technical manufacturing knowledge—from stitching and garment construction to digital design and pattern development. These initiatives form part of a larger commitment to build a sustainable talent pipeline and foster long-term careers in UK-made fashion.
“The future of British fashion depends on local skills,” said Jenny Holloway, CEO of Fashion-Enter Ltd. “The FCFTA is a game-changer—it’s about re-establishing pride in production, and giving learners tangible routes into employment through real-life, hands-on experience.”
A key highlight of the event was a fashion show hosted by Leicester Fashion Week. The runway featured stunning garments designed by students from De Montfort University, brought to life through a pioneering collaboration with Kornit Digital. Using digitally printed fabrics supplied through the partnership, the pieces were a bold visual statement of how technology and creativity are shaping the future of fashion.
The event also featured an exclusive CEO roundtable co-hosted by Labour MP for Leicester West, Liz Kendall, and Nick Beighton, former CEO of ASOS and Matches Fashion. The roundtable tackled key strategies for boosting local manufacturing, supporting SMEs, and creating pathways for youth employment.
“Leicester is home to some of the best textile businesses in the UK,” said Liz Kendall MP. “Events like Leicester Made show that we are serious about revitalising this industry—not only with innovation, but with meaningful career opportunities for young people.”
The day also included factory tours, panel sessions, and business networking, all focused on sustainable practices, local sourcing, and the adoption of technology to improve efficiency and transparency.
From fashion tech pioneers like Style3D and Alvanon to local manufacturers such as Denovo, the message was clear: Leicester is ready to lead. The positivity and momentum generated at Leicester Made 2025 point to a new era of domestic production—rooted in heritage, driven by innovation, and fuelled by skilled talent trained right here in the UK.
Peter Chandler, Head of Economic Regeneration at Leicester City Council, summed it up: “It was absolutely brilliant, with impressive attendance and a genuinely optimistic tone. For the first time, there’s a real sense that we’re not just preserving Leicester’s legacy—we’re building its future.”
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