Apparel & Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF) has been invited by the UK Government to launch at the House of Commons
Posted on 23rd July 2022
The newly formed Apparel & Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF) has been invited
by the UK Government to launch at the House of Commons on Monday 18th July. The
invitation follows a recent and successful meeting with former Minister for Small Business,
Paul Scully MP, Baroness Verma and Andrew Bridgen MP.
Founded to revive the historical trade of textile and garment manufacturing in Leicester, and
with the aim of building a more ethical and sustainable textiles sector, the ATMF will act as a
voice for suppliers. It aims to support the garment supply chain with compliance, auditing
and safeguarding jobs through collaborative partnerships.
Sajjad Khan, Founder of ATMF, said “We are delighted that the UK Government is
recognising our efforts in Leicester and further afield, to support textile and apparel
manufacturers. It is a great honour to have been given the opportunity to launch the
Federation at the House of Commons, and this only adds to the gravitas of our mission.“
He continued “We already have the backing of a large number of businesses from across the
supply chain so we know there is a very real need to create a strong supplier voice. We have
also drawn support locally from senior level organisations including Leicester City Council,
De Montfort University and the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership. The ATMF
aims to promote ‘Brand Leicester’ within the MADE IN UK umbrella.”
Shehzad Valli, a Member of ATMF and a Leicester garment manufacturer, says “the launch of
the ATMF marks a significant milestone in the revitalisation of the textiles sector in Leicester.
We want the city to be at the forefront of national gains for the industry, and we’re
determined to make that happen. We are now calling on the UK Government, and national
international bodies, and major brands to support our efforts.”
“Leicester's strong heritage in garment manufacturing puts the city in a great position to
lead a resurgence in the industry - but this can only be done ethically by working together",
said Leicester Deputy Mayor, Cllr Adam Clarke. “This innovative new federation is a vital
building block as we embed Leicester as a place offering well-paid, highly-skilled jobs,
producing amazing garments in quality working environments."
Baroness Verma has also given her support towards the establishment of the Federation: “I
am very pleased to see that there is a great initiative shown by a range of suppliers in the
garment supply chain to help re-shape the landscape of manufacturing in Leicester.”
Richard Tutt, Chair of the Leicester Conservative Federation, is also very supportive: “Having
had a long standing interest in the Leicester textile industry it grieves me that the recent
demise has led to closure of hundreds of factories and loss of thousands of jobs, but with
the support of Baroness Verma, Saj Khan founder at ATMF, and Sanjay Modhwadia, have
taken this to the National Government level and we now have an opportunity to take the
Leicester textile Industry back to its proud heritage.”
ATMF was formed with the help of worker rights' charity, Justice in Fashion. Managing
director, Jennifer Wascak, said "The launch of ATMF is a bold step forward for the UK
garment industry. There is finally an independent forum for the voices of UK garment
manufacturers and their workers to be heard in a rapidly-changing industry.”
Sue Tilley, Head of the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP), said: “It's
exciting to see Leicester again leading the way in UK textiles and we congratulate ATMF in
working with local partners to address challenges in the industry.”
"The LLEP's strategy for coming years is to drive economic prosperity for all in our region
through increased productivity, innovation and sustainability and ATMF is working to help
achieve all of those things."
The ATMF has also drawn on the support of Embark CSR who have assisted with strategy and
marketing, helping to create considerable excitement in the sector and a genuine interest in
the Federation’s plans.
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