A consortium of textile manufacturers from Leicester, led by Sajjad Khan , me with Paul Scully, Minister for Small Business and Baroness Verma yesterday at the House of Commons, to discuss how to reshape the UK fashion industry for a more ethnical and sustainable future. 
The newly-formed Apparel & Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF ) was invited to Parliament to discuss how government can provide improved support for garment manufacturers who are striving to create a sustainable future for the UK fashion industry. 
 
The conversation was largely focused on the need for the textile sector to evolve through on-shoring, a commitment to increased local production, and how to bring the "Made in UK" brand to the forefront of media attention. 
 
The UK fashion industry still faces ongoing challenges and Leicester in particular has taken a knock in the past two years. There is a consensus by the ATMF members that fundamental changes are needed in Leicester’s garment industry or the sector will not survive. Senior organisations, and local manufacturers and high profile brands recognise this, and are taking steps to address the problems. 
 
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 acts as a voice for suppliers. Supporting garment manufacturers with compliance, auditing and safeguarding jobs through collaborative partnerships and working directly with garment manufacturers. 
 
Sajjad Khan, Founder of ATMF, said “The meeting was very productive, it was encouraging to receive support from Paul Scully and Baroness Verma in our efforts to make the UK a brand in its own right, and ‘Brand Leicester’ a major contributor to that brand. We are really confident that the UK wants to support our efforts.” 
 
Shehzad Valli, Member of ATMF and Leicester garment manufacturer, says “Wednesday was the first day of the new era in our industry, we aim to get the sector back to the top. National recognition will give us all motivation to continue to do the right thing and once again be market leaders” 
 
The ATMF has formed partnerships with Justice in Fashion CIC, Embark CSR, De Montfort University and the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership all of whom are committed to joining the movement to create a new era of fashion for Leicester. 
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