The UK fashion and textiles industry will gather for a landmark event, Leicester Made & Regions 2026, taking place at The Venue at De Montfort University this Friday.
Organised by Fashion-Enter Ltd (FEL) and the Apparel and Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF), the one-day showcase will unite fashion and textile manufacturers, brands, designers, educators, innovators and policymakers from across the UK.
Leicester Made & Regions 2026 is designed to bring together diverse voices and expertise from across the country with a shared mission: To strengthen UK supply chains, celebrate regional craftsmanship, and accelerate the shift towards sustainable, onshore, and technology-driven fashion production.
With supply chain disruption, shipping pressures along with new transparency and EPR regulations reshaping the industry, UK manufacturing is seeing renewed opportunity – making this event a key event for collaboration and innovation.
Leicester Made & Regions Exhibition
The exhibition floor will feature leading garment manufacturers, textile suppliers, trim specialists, and technology providers, offering attendees the chance to:
- Discover UK-based production partners
- Explore the latest in manufacturing innovation
- Build resilient, localised supply chains
From heritage skills to cutting-edge technologies, the event highlights the full spectrum of British manufacturing capability.
Expert Speakers & Industry Insight
A strong line-up of industry experts will lead discussions and share insights: Jill Geoghegan – Editor, Drapers, Joseph Mountain – Sustainability Manager, N Brown Group and Tamara Sender Ceron – Associate Principal Fashion Retail Research, Mintel, Kevin Withane – dual qualified barrister and solicitor, Kirsty McGregor, ex-Vogue Business Editor – now running her own consultancy and Adam Mansell, CEO of the UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT) with further name to be added this week.
Through a series of panel discussions and forums, Leicester Made & Regions 2026 will tackle critical topics shaping the future of fashion, including:
- UK Manufacturing: Is It Too Expensive – Or Is the Sourcing Model Broken?
- Beyond the Pilot: What It Takes to Embed Innovation
- Legislation: The Policy That Will Break or Save Fashion
- Sustainability: Responsibility, Reality & the Road Ahead
Event Highlights
- 9:00am – Doors Open & Breakfast Networking
(Sponsored by De Montfort University) - Morning Panel Discussions
- CEO Roundtable & Networking Lunch
- Afternoon Panels on Legislation & Sustainability
- 3:30pm – 5:30pm – Networking Drinks Reception
(Sponsored by Source Fashion)
This project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The day event runs from 9.00am to 7.00pm and more information is available here.
