The UK fashion and textile manufacturing industry is taking another important step towards securing a greater role in public procurement, with industry leaders and stakeholders coming together for a landmark meeting at Westminster in September.
Following a strong turnout at today’s ATMF factory meeting, held on 20 August, the industry has announced Unlocking Public Procurement: Unifying the Voice of the UK Fashion and Textile Manufacturing Industry, taking place on Wednesday 16 September 2026, from 10am to 12pm at Portcullis House, Westminster, London.
Despite the holiday season, today’s factory meeting attracted a great turnout both in person and online, with attendees continuing to demonstrate the importance of collaboration across the sector.
A first-of-its-kind industry meeting
The September meeting will bring together representatives from across the UK fashion and textile manufacturing industry for what is believed to be the first meeting of its kind focused specifically on creating a unified industry voice around public procurement.
The event will be hosted by Rt Hon David Lammy, alongside the Garment & Textile Workers Trust, UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT), Apparel & Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF) and Fashion-Enter Ltd/FashionCapital.
A wide range of industry stakeholders will also be involved, including Fashion Roundtable, Make it British, ASBCI, Source Fashion, Transform Trade and many others.
Other MPs and Government procurement bodies are expected to attend, creating an important opportunity for the industry to engage directly with policymakers and those involved in public procurement.
Building a shared position
The aim of the meeting is to establish a clearer and more unified understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing UK fashion and textile manufacturing when it comes to public procurement.
The objective is for attendees to leave with a shared position on priorities and practical next steps, creating a stronger foundation for continued engagement between Government, industry and sector stakeholders.
With public procurement representing a significant potential source of long-term demand, the meeting will explore how Government purchasing can better support UK manufacturing, jobs, investment and supply-chain resilience.
Attendees are also being invited to submit questions, key issues and points they would like raised ahead of the meeting. This will help ensure the discussion reflects the priorities of those attending and remains focused on areas where collective action can have the greatest impact.
Places are limited due to the size of the room and attendance is by invitation only. Anyone wishing to find out more can contact [email protected].
New economic analysis strengthens the case for UK manufacturing
One of the key developments shared at today’s meeting was the completion of a major economic modelling analysis undertaken by Alix Coombs as part of the Garment & Textile Workers Trust funding.
The analysis demonstrates the significant economic benefits of manufacturing garments in the UK, including increased employment, tax revenues, economic activity and local economic impact.
The findings will be presented at the Westminster meeting on 16 September, providing an important evidence base for the industry’s discussions with Government and procurement bodies.
The analysis adds weight to the argument that public procurement decisions should consider the wider economic value generated when contracts are placed with UK manufacturers, rather than focusing solely on the initial purchase price.
Progress across the sector
There was also significant progress reported across a number of other initiatives.
The final data is now being uploaded for the In Factories We Trust new website, creating an important resource for showcasing UK manufacturing capability.
Work is also progressing on Manchester Made & Regions, with the initiative scheduled for November 2026 and supported by Suzanne Ellingham.
The Home Office PQQ for military wear has also been submitted, marking another important step in opening procurement opportunities for UK manufacturers.
Together, these developments demonstrate the breadth of work taking place across the industry to strengthen UK manufacturing and connect manufacturers with new markets and opportunities.
Stronger together
The message from today’s meeting was clear. Progress is being made.
From developing the evidence base and demonstrating the economic value of UK manufacturing, to engaging directly with Government and improving access to public procurement, the sector is increasingly working together around a shared agenda.
The 16 September meeting at Portcullis House represents an important next step in that process — bringing manufacturers, industry organisations, MPs, Government procurement bodies and other stakeholders around the same table.
Stronger together.