Leicester Made

This one-day event that brings together industry leaders, manufacturers, retailers, and designers to discuss the future of ethical and sustainable fashion production.

Taking place on 14 May, Leicester Made will explore onshoring, innovation, AI, sustainability, and the circular economy in the fashion industry. Not only is it sponsored by the ASBCI, but the event also features several ASBCI members as speakers in addition to the association’s keynote presentation. Other sponsors include Kornit Digital, Alvanon, and Style 3D.

Ton Wiedenhoff, executive director Europe of ASBCI Premier member Alvanon, Simon Platts, co-founder of ASBCI member SP&KO Consultants, and Maggie Chen, partner of ASBCI member Style 3D/Assyst are all speaking, alongside Jenny Holloway, CEO of Fashion-Enter, Kate Hills from Make it British, and Peter Chandler, Head of Economic Regeneration at Leicester City Council.

The Leicester Made event started in 2024, following the creation of the Leicester Made directory, which represents all segments of the fashion manufacturing supply chain and aims to promote all types of organisations, along with their skills and capabilities. It is part of the Leicester Textiles Renewal funded by UK Government via the Community Renewal Fund.

The 2024 event saw more 2,500 people attend, with representation 65 designers, manufacturers, and NGOs, as well as many educational establishments. The 2025 show will be a dynamic showcase of Leicester garment and fabric manufacturers, trimming suppliers, and creatives, offering unparalleled opportunities for networking and collaboration.

A packed speaking programme includes insights from policymakers shaping UK manufacturing, and industry experts debating hot topics such as ethical fashion, technology and innovations, sustainability and circularity, and onshoring. In addition to keynotes on each topic, there will be four panel discussions throughout the day.

The first will address transparency, fair wages, and responsible sourcing in UK manufacturing and features panellists including Mark Randle from Galaxius Systems, Sarah Woodcock from The Anti Slavery Collective, Fashion Roundtable’s Tamara Cincik.

The second panel discussion follows presentations from Style3D, ASSYST, and Alvanon on the latest innovations in fashion technology. Panellists including Mar Fernandez from Alvanon, Maggie Chen from  Style3D | ASSYST, and Danny Gazit from Kornit Digital will explore the future of fashion with AI, digital transformation, and automation.

A further two panels will focus on sustainability, the first looking at how brands are designing with purpose and planning for a better tomorrow, while the second will consider the benefits of onshoring for people, planet and profit. This includes participation from Catherine Loader from John Lewis, Kate Hills from Make it British, and Nick Beighton, former ASOS CEO.

The event will conclude with a fashion showcase and evening networking drinks with live music.

Leicester Made promises to be a day full of positive and engaging conversations.

We look forward to seeing you there.