The Onshoring Fix
Picture taken at Leicester Made Event, May 2025
At Our Fashion Fix, we’re all about what’s next in fashion, especially when it’s happening on our own doorstep. While fast fashion has spent years flying around the globe, something exciting is happening closer to home. A return to local manufacturing is picking up speed, and we’re here for it. Why? Because onshoring - bringing production back to the UK - isn’t just a nice idea. It’s a game-changer.
Let’s be honest, the global supply chain is starting to look a bit frayed at the seams. Between sky-high shipping costs, tariffs, environmental concerns, and uncertainty around overseas labour conditions, it’s a nightmare for any buyer / retailer. Onshoring offers a strategic, stylish solution. It's about faster turnaround times, improved quality control, and having a clearer view of your supply chain, without needing a long-haul flight.
Even better, it can help the bottom line. As Bill McRaith pointed out, a shocking 30% of fashion stock goes unsold. That’s not just wasteful; it’s expensive. Onshoring allows brands to be more flexible and efficient - producing smaller runs, reacting to demand in real-time, and ultimately selling more at full price. Think fewer markdowns, less dead stock, and more margin. We’re talking smarter fashion, not just faster, reducing waste by as much as 65%. It was eye opening to hear back in the 1970’s markdowns were as low as 7%, increasing to over 30% with the rise of offshore production.
Which brings us to Leicester Made - an event that didn’t just inspire, it ignited. Held in the historic heart of the UK’s textile industry, the day brought together the people, ideas, and tech shaping the future of British fashion manufacturing.
Leicester isn’t new to this. It’s where fashion has been made for generations, including by my own family. From a sock factory in Blaby, and The British Shoe Corporation to corset designs for Twilfit in the early 1900s, textiles are literally woven into my heritage. When I started my buying career 25 years ago, Leicester was the go-to for quality jersey and knitwear. The skills were always here.
At the event, we heard from industry leaders like Simon Platts, Peter Chandler, and MP Rosie Wrighting. The message? The UK doesn’t just need local manufacturing - it’s ready for it. And Leicester, with its talent pool, existing infrastructure, and proud history, is primed to lead the charge.
This wasn’t just a feel-good gathering. It was packed with action. From De Montfort University’s graduates to innovators like Mark at Galaxius Systems (whose use of QR codes is boosting productivity by 40%—yes, 40%!), the innovation was as tangible as the textiles.
Compliance is key, too. Initiatives like Fast Forward are ensuring ethical, transparent supply chains - exactly what consumers (and retailers) are demanding. When it’s made in the UK, we have the power to oversee how it’s made, and that’s no small thing.
MP Rosie Wrighting brought the political weight, reinforcing that onshoring isn’t just a business trend - it’s a national strategy. With growing government support, the UK is working to strengthen homegrown supply chains and invest in better regulation. The goal? Resilience, ethical manufacturing, and a reduced reliance on substandard imports.
There’s a real energy around UK-made fashion again. Retailers are returning. Makers are innovating. And cities like Leicester are rising to the occasion. It feels like the beginning of something big and at Our Fashion Fix, we’re thrilled to be along for the ride.
Hats off to Jennifer Holloway and the incredible teams at Fashion-Enter and FashionCapital. The Leicester Made event reminded us that the future of fashion doesn’t have to be flown in. It can be made right here - with skill, integrity, and a whole lot of style. The suppliers are ready, the factories are compliant, and the infrastructure is exactly what retailers have been asking for. Everything’s in place - now it’s time for retailers to lean in, commit to UK manufacturing, and be part of the movement to bring fashion home.