With ongoing global supply chain disruptions continuing to challenge fashion brands, interest in UK manufacturing is growing rapidly. Over the last three days, organisers of the Leicester Made & Regions have seen a significant increase in brands signing up to attend the UK’s only dedicated event focused entirely on garment and textile production.
Taking place on 24 April 2026 in Leicester, the event connects fashion brands with trusted UK factories, offering a unique opportunity to explore domestic manufacturing solutions at a time when sourcing reliability is becoming increasingly critical.
This year’s event is set to be bigger than ever, with factories from across the UK’s manufacturing regions joining the Leicester-based producers. Organisers have emphasised that all UK factories are welcome, reflecting a growing national collaboration across the garment and textile industry.
New Opportunities for UK Factories
A key highlight of this year’s event will be the announcement of new opportunities linked to public procurement contracts, which could open up significant new routes to market for UK manufacturers. Details will be revealed at the venue during the event on 24 April.
Alongside the factory showcases, attendees will also benefit from a series of four industry panel discussions tackling some of the most pressing issues facing fashion and textile manufacturing today.
Tackling the Industry’s Toughest Questions
The panel programme will address some of the most debated topics in the sector, including:
- UK Manufacturing: Is 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
Organisers have confirmed that guest speakers will begin to be announced next week, promising a strong line-up of industry leaders and experts.
Industry Support and Partnerships
The event continues to receive strong backing from key industry organisations and partners. The ASBCI has confirmed its return as a sponsor, highlighting ongoing industry confidence in the event.
In addition, Alvanon will once again support the event, alongside a new partnership with Suzanne Ellingham from Hyve Group, adding further industry expertise to this year’s programme.
Connecting Brands With the Right Factories
The Leicester Made & Regions event is designed specifically for professionals working in sourcing, buying, ethics, and sustainability, offering a direct route to discovering trusted UK garment manufacturers.
As supply chain challenges continue globally, events like this are becoming increasingly important in helping brands build resilient, transparent and locally supported production networks.
Brands and industry professionals interested in attending are encouraged to register early as demand continues to grow ahead of the April event.
Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/ey-g77Cz