Today we were proud to host a highly successful and productive meeting with Emma Jones and representatives from the Department for Business and Trade.
The strength, resilience and capability of Leicester’s garment and textiles manufacturing industry was on full display. Sixteen local companies came together to share honest, practical insights about the realities they are facing and the opportunities ahead.
The Key Question
The central question posed to the deputation was simple but powerful:
How can policymakers better support SMEs?
The discussion that followed was open, constructive and solution focused. A detailed summary of all points raised is now being prepared by ATMF and will be submitted to the Small Business Commissioner.
Public Procurement: A Major Focus
The awarding of public contracts to UK manufacturers was a central theme of the meeting. There was clear engagement from DBT representatives, and a shared understanding that more can and should be done to support British SMEs.
The federation emphasised the importance of factories meeting the right decision makers for public procurement contracts. Events such as Leicester Made on 24 April at The Venue provide an ideal opportunity to facilitate those vital connections.
Key Issues Raised by Members
The discussion covered a wide range of pressing issues, including:
• Late payment practices
• Factories effectively bankrolling brands
• The inappropriate use of retrospective discounts
• Limiting all contract payment terms to a maximum of 60 days
• Brands continuing to trade while knowingly insolvent, with ATMF raising this directly with DBT insolvency teams
• The need for 3 to 5 percent of retail brand production to be manufactured in the UK
• Amending public procurement contracts to better engage SMEs, with Chair Jennifer Holloway requesting a meeting with the appropriate body to represent factories
• Local public procurement opportunities and de minimis rulings
• Concerns around military uniforms manufactured overseas and associated state security risks
• The importance of embedding Social Value within public procurement frameworks
• Company formation structures for public procurement
• New legislation requiring major retailers to confirm waste figures, encouraging responsible buying and strengthening the case for UK manufacturing
And many more points that reflect the depth and seriousness of the challenges faced by the sector.
Looking Ahead
ATMF will now submit a comprehensive summary of the discussion to Emma Jones and the Department for Business and Trade. We look forward to continued engagement and tangible progress.
Thank you to every member who spoke with clarity and conviction about the realities of running a manufacturing business in today’s climate. Your voices were heard.
The Backbench Business Debate is currently live in Parliament, where similar themes are being discussed. The message is clear.
Make in Britain. Build in Britain. Strengthen Britain. 🇬🇧
