Source Fashion, Fashion-Enter and ATMF launch Made in Manchester & Regions to support UK manufacturing

UK trade organisations Source Fashion, Fashion-Enter and ATMF are launching Made in Manchester & Regions, a new programme of regional roadshows aimed at strengthening the case for UK fashion and textile manufacturing. The first event takes place at Manchester Hall on 4 November 2026, free to attend and open to buyers, brands, retailers, manufacturers and the wider industry.

Building on the earlier Leicester Made events, the roadshow will bring buyers, brands and retailers together with UK manufacturers to explore local production capabilities, against a backdrop of continued global supply chain volatility and rising costs for domestic manufacturers. Discussions will address the barriers preventing more orders from reaching British factories, the role of public procurement, and how manufacturers can compete on speed, flexibility, quality and sustainability rather than price alone.

A central focus will be helping brands and retailers build a stronger business case for UK manufacturing, alongside encouraging greater collaboration between the organisations representing the sector to create a more unified industry voice and push for government support.

"One of the biggest barriers retailers and brands face when it comes to working with UK-based manufacturers isn't always cost, but visibility, knowing who to work with," said Suzanne Ellingham, event director of Source Fashion. "This event is aimed at bringing the industry together, shining a light on local capabilities, and arming buyers with the insight and rationale for why localised production makes sense as part of a balanced supplier mix."

"Made in Manchester & Regions is a new way forward for manufacturers today," said Jenny Holloway, chair of ATMF and founder of Fashion-Enter. "Based on the last three successful Leicester Made events, this promises to be the best and most inspiring networking event yet, with Manchester mayor Andy Burnham strongly endorsing reindustrialisation and the restoration of public procurement contracts."

Manchester will be the first stop in a wider programme of regional events, with the conversation continuing at Source Fashion's trade show at ExCeL London from 19 to 21 January 2027, before the roadshow moves to Scotland in the first quarter of 2027.