On Thursday 21st August at 10:30am, the Fashion Technology Academy (FTA) Leicester and the Apparel & Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF) welcomed a BBC journalist determined to spotlight a side of Leicester’s manufacturing industry that is too often overlooked — the resilient, compliant, and forward-thinking businesses continuing to operate and innovate despite challenging circumstances.
Over the past five years, Leicester’s garment and textile sector has faced intense scrutiny, with headlines focusing on exploitative labour practices and factory closures. While such issues have rightfully been exposed, this narrative has frequently overshadowed the many ethical manufacturers who remain steadfast in their commitment to best practice, transparency, and sustainability.
The upcoming BBC documentary aims to rebalance public perception, shifting the spotlight toward those manufacturers who have invested in new technologies, improved working conditions, and championed sustainable growth within the UK fashion industry.
To support this important project, FTA Leicester and ATMF facilitated a series of interviews with local manufacturers, providing a platform for them to share their stories — the realities of running compliant factories, the challenges they face, and their hopes for the sector’s future.
The conversations revealed a community of business owners deeply committed to ethical production, workforce development, and restoring confidence in Leicester-made fashion. Many spoke about modernising their facilities, upskilling staff, and building stronger, more transparent relationships with clients and brands.
Located at Phoenix House, FTA Leicester continues to act as a hub for ethical manufacturing and textile education. By connecting the media with responsible local businesses, the Academy furthers its mission to uplift Leicester’s garment sector and support a new era of sustainable, UK-based fashion production.
The BBC documentary is expected to air later this year, offering national audiences a rare and timely glimpse into the positive transformation taking place behind the scenes — and the people working tirelessly to ensure that Leicester’s fashion industry remains credible, ethical, and future-ready.