What's Happening?
Source Fashion, in collaboration with Leicester Made & Regions, Fashion-Enter, FashionCapital, and the ATMF, is launching a series of regional UK roadshows aimed at reconnecting buyers with British manufacturers. This initiative seeks to bolster regional sourcing
networks and support the future of domestic fashion and textile manufacturing. The roadshows will bring together manufacturers, mills, buyers, and industry stakeholders across key UK manufacturing regions, fostering visibility, collaboration, and commercial growth. The first event is scheduled for Manchester in late October, with additional events planned for Scotland, Yorkshire, and the Southeast over the next year. The initiative is part of Source Fashion's broader commitment to supporting British manufacturing, responding to increasing industry demand for localized, agile, and transparent sourcing solutions.
Why It's Important?
The launch of these roadshows is significant as it addresses the current challenges faced by UK manufacturers, including commercial pressure and declining visibility. By strengthening regional connections between buyers and manufacturers, the initiative aims to enhance domestic sourcing opportunities and build a more resilient UK manufacturing ecosystem. This effort is crucial at a time when buyers are seeking greater flexibility, transparency, and proximity within their supply chains. The roadshows also aim to dispel the myth that the UK has lost its production skills, highlighting the country's proud heritage factories and their capacity to meet public procurement contracts and collaborate with major retail brands.
What's Next?
The first regional roadshow is expected to take place in Manchester in October 2026, with further events planned throughout the following year. These events will feature curated manufacturer showcases and a structured content-led program focused on responsible sourcing, nearshoring, supply chain resilience, and the challenges facing UK production today. The initiative also aims to create clearer pathways for UK manufacturers to scale their visibility beyond regional markets, ultimately supporting more British manufacturers in showcasing at Source Fashion in London to an international buying audience.
Beyond the Headlines
This initiative could lead to long-term shifts in the UK manufacturing landscape by fostering stronger regional ecosystems and enhancing the visibility of British manufacturers on a global stage. It also highlights the importance of proximity sourcing in garment manufacturing, challenging the misconception that the UK lacks production skills. By creating practical opportunities for manufacturers to be seen and build relationships, the roadshows aim to support domestic manufacturing in a meaningful way, preventing the loss of manufacturing capability in the UK.
