Latest news with #SuzanneEllingham
Fashion Network
10-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Source Fashion launches £500,000 scheme to support British heritage manufacturers
The selected businesses will receive support for three consecutive editions of the show, a move designed to 'help them build long-term visibility and growth'. Suzanne Ellingham, event director of the show, said: 'As [we grow] into the largest manufacturing sourcing show in Europe, we believe it's our responsibility to support the brilliant manufacturers we have here in the UK. 'This is about more than just giving away stands. We're investing in the future of British manufacturing by helping these businesses tell their stories, connect with international buyers, and grow sustainably. It's a small way that we can give back, while also making sure UK manufacturing is properly represented on the global stage.' She said the programme will be open to a diverse range of UK manufacturers, from heritage textiles in Scotland to component specialists in the Midlands and South. It aims to address 'a long-standing lack of support for British producers who often struggle to afford the costs of exhibiting, especially when compared to government-subsidised competitors abroad'. Under the initiative, each business will receive a free stand at three consecutive Source Fashion shows in January 2026, July 2026 and January 2027; dedicated bespoke PR and marketing campaigns; and exposure through Source Fashion's global content channels. In its selection process, Source Fashion said it will work with its advisory board to identify manufacturers and makers that would benefit from the show. 'This initiative will become a permanent fixture of the show,' Ellingham added. 'Every 18 months, we'll refresh the pavilion with a new group of 15–20 heritage manufacturers and help them grow with us. The goal is that, by show four, they're thriving, confident exhibitors in their own right. If they're not quite there yet, that's okay too. This is about building something lasting, not transactional.' The first full cohort of heritage manufacturers will be announced in September. While most participants are still under wraps, organisers have confirmed outreach has already begun, and standout British businesses have already been selected to join the inaugural pavilion. They include Courtnery and Co, the last remaining button manufacturer in the UK, and Alexander Manufacturing, one of the last remaining luxury garment manufacturers in Scotland. 'These companies represent the exceptional craftsmanship and highlight how special British manufacturing and heritage can be. The scheme aims to spotlight, with more names to be revealed in the coming months', it said.
Fashion United
10-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion United
Source Fashion launches scheme to support British heritage manufacturers
Trade show Source Fashion has announced a 500,000-pound investment scheme to support 15 UK-based heritage manufacturers to champion British manufacturing. From February 2026, Source Fashion will form a dedicated British Heritage Pavilion to showcase the 15 curated, high-quality, heritage manufacturers, from across the UK. Each selected business will receive a fully funded stand, marketing support, and brand development assistance for three consecutive editions of the show, designed 'to help them build long-term visibility and growth'. Suzanne Ellingham, event director of Source Fashion, said in a statement: 'As Source Fashion grows into the largest manufacturing sourcing show in Europe, we believe it's our responsibility to support the brilliant manufacturers we have here in the UK. 'This is about more than just giving away stands. We're investing in the future of British manufacturing by helping these businesses tell their stories, connect with international buyers, and grow sustainably. It's a small way that we can give back, while also making sure UK manufacturing is properly represented on the global stage.' Source Fashion looking to champion British manufacturing with a new support scheme Source Fashion, July 2025 edition Credits: Source Fashion The initiative has been designed to address a long-standing lack of support for British producers who often struggle to afford the costs of exhibiting, especially when compared to government-subsidised competitors abroad. It will be open to a diverse range of UK manufacturers, from heritage textiles in Scotland to component specialists in the Midlands and South. The first cohort of heritage manufacturers is set to be announced in September. Source Fashion added that outreach has already begun, and standout British businesses have already been selected to join the inaugural pavilion including Courtnery and Co, the last remaining button manufacturer in the UK, and Alexander Manufacturing from Scotland. These companies were selected as they 'represent the exceptional craftsmanship and highlight how special British manufacturing and heritage can be'. Ellingham added: 'This initiative will become a permanent fixture of the show. Every 18 months, we'll refresh the pavilion with a new group of 15–20 heritage manufacturers and help them grow with us. 'The goal is that, by show four, they're thriving, confident exhibitors in their own right. If they're not quite there yet, that's okay too. This is about building something lasting, not transactional.' The announcement came on the second day of Source Fashion, which saw a 23 percent year-on-year increase in visitor footfall, attracting professionals across sustainability, design, buying, and production from leading fashion brands, including LVMH, Harrods, Burberry, Victoria Beckham, Temperley, Lyle & Scott, French Connection, John Lewis, AllSaints, Asos, Joseph, Marks & Spencer, Next, New Look, Primark, River Island, Joules, JoJo Maman Bébé, Sosander, Gigi & Olive, Lucy & Yak, Damson Madder, Godske, Jaded London, and Jermyn Street Design.
Fashion United
07-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion United
Diversifying buyers, shifting priorities: Source Fashion scales up to meet evolving sourcing demands
'We're still in toddler territory,' Source Fashion director, Suzanne Ellingham, jokingly said when asked about the event's milestones. Now in its third year, the trade fair is moving into the bigger venue of The Grand Hall in Olympia London. The move reflects the 30 percent year-on-year growth experienced since its inception in 2023. Despite this, Ellingham retains the view that the fair's expansion has been organic and intentionally slower than what it could have been. 'The goal was never to come onto the scene in year one as big as the likes of Magic,' Ellingham told FashionUnited. 'What we set out to achieve was creating a platform for responsible sourcing. There is a lot of talk about how consumers spend their money, but how often do we hold retailers and wholesalers who order large quantities to the same standard? What we wanted to do was create a platform whereby there was no reason for any retailer or buyer to not buy from a fundamentally good factory.' To ensure this, Source has, from the outset, vetted all of its exhibiting manufacturers to confirm they adhere to labour and quality standards, thus placing the 'right pillars of growth'. Ellingham acknowledges, however, that in the evolving landscape of responsible manufacturing, with new certifications and regulations always emerging, this is an ongoing journey for many. Other challenges Source addresses extend into the changing demands of buyers, meaning the fair is in a constant state of transformation. New app and emphasis on certifications aim to boost collaboration For its sixth edition, taking place July 8 to 10, Source is welcoming 250 'makers' and manufacturers from over 22 key sourcing regions. In contrast to its sister fair Pure London, which has now been absorbed by Autumn and Spring Fair, Source is only getting bigger – a possible reflection of a need for manufacturing-focused events. The shift to a larger venue was deemed 'symbolic' by Ellingham, who said visitors will be able to feel the growth of the fair. Source Fashion. Credits: Source Fashion. Such expansion has required adaptation on the organisational part. This season, certifications will be visibly displayed at the booths, to inform passersby of the manufacturer's achievements. An app has also been introduced, allowing audiences to connect and browse exhibitors. It underlines the importance of collaboration for Ellingham, who said that while Source had previously lacked tools to connect exhibitors and visitors, growth admittedly relies on such a feat. 'As we move into year three, it feels like the right time to invest in the kind of platform that enables those connections,' she noted. Much of this also comes down to educating manufacturers and partners in order to uphold the event's standards. In this regard, the 'reality is twofold', Ellingham said. 'Firstly, we want to have a show floor full of good manufacturers. Secondly, at a fundamentally high level, [a manufacturer's] aim is to boost their exports. What we're doing is giving them a blueprint for their factories to be seen as credible. We can tell them: 'If you want to do business with, for example, John Lewis, these are the minimum standards to get your foot in the door. They need to go through a vetting process, and if they don't have some of the desired qualities, the order goes up in smoke. For us, this is where we shifted from being a show that is setting these requirements to being a platform of advice on how to do business faster.' This has allowed Source to establish trust and strong relations with both factories and international government or export agencies, which have typically remained in place as partners since year one and continue to work towards given minimum standards. 'The reason we've grown is because all of our exhibitors have been able to work with our visitor base', who notably inform Source of the certifications and standards they are seeking in potential partners. Slow growth in representation of UK manufacturers, despite demand One of the biggest challenges faced by Source Fashion is balancing out the countries it represents. While China, India and Sri Lanka are among the regions well platformed, the event has put the work in to grow its exhibitor base from Africa, parts of Europe, South America and the UK. This comes with the intention of catering to a growing demand from visitors wanting to work with new regions, as more begin moving some of their product volume production away from China or India. Source Fashion. Credits: Source Fashion. Challenges particularly occur in finding more manufacturers from Europe and the UK, where, unlike in Asia, government-funded export programmes for manufacturers are less prominent. Many other regions have export agencies to support local businesses, however, this is lacking in the UK, so growth has been slower for this region at Source. Despite this, British visitors say they are actively seeking local or European manufacturers, according to surveys carried out by the fair, and with nearshoring steadily rising as a trend, demand only looks to be going upwards. Change also needs to be present on the side of retailers and businesses, however, many of whom are not yet equipped to source closer to home, a process that is more costly. 'In a world where volume drives buying and quantity means better discounts, it comes down to how they are building the business internally to allow that drop in margin to source closer to home,' Ellingham noted. 'Retailers and brands that want to nearshore are now looking at how that will impact their buying strategy, and what they can do in terms of volume or short runs. A large part of what we're doing at the moment is about helping those buyers understand the rationale for why nearshoring should be part of their strategy.' This ability to maintain a relationship fuelled by education and partnership with visitors is part of why Source has been able to maintain sustainable growth. Each season, the list of attendees has continued to expand, this edition selling out in its entirety, and is now made up of both major UK fashion retailers and brands, as well as more local boutiques. While these leading fashion players make up a large proportion of guests, Source has seen a shift in types of attendees, with non-fashion buyers increasingly taking advantage of the event. Non-fashion buyers slowly outnumber fashion-focused attendees In the realm of sports, the fair has welcomed everything from Premier League football clubs to pickle ball teams, each looking to buy a substantial amount of uniforms, and therefore representing lucrative business opportunities. 'What we've seen is the diversification of it,' Ellingham said. 'A lot more non-fashion buyers likely come to the show now than actual fashion brands. When we see the different profiles, I'm always curious as to why they register. I often find that it is a club with four teams that need around 500 to 600 hundred uniform pieces each year. They're not interested in the retail price, they just want a fair price. It's an easy repeat order, and I think that's where we've really won. It's not just about the big retailers, it's the evolving nature of who else needs to buy products.' Source Fashion. Credits: Source Fashion. These returning buyers, which also includes hotels, private schools and other establishments, run alongside a growing number of emerging designers and startups that are now considered regulars. Such groups benefit from Source's often extensive agenda of talks, presentations, debates and shows, which this year focus on the lack of viable change in the attempt to establish a more sustainable and responsible sourcing market. Ellingham notes that in the present day, businesses are faced with a challenging market, following significant impact from the past five years – from Covid to Brexit to tariffs. And so, Source's various panel talks and discussions will discuss just that, questioning why no significant movement is happening and what this could mean for the near future. 'Businesses are asking how they can justify long-term transformation when they don't know if they will still be around in three months time,' Ellingham stated. 'When you look at it through a very human lens, it becomes a question of building an entire agenda around talking about volatility and managing risk.' With the show set to open its doors, Ellingham is looking ahead to the new edition with a positive lens, however. In a statement, she commented: 'Source Fashion has always been about more than sourcing, it's about helping businesses make better decisions in a fast-changing world. As we prepare to open the doors to Olympia's Grand Hall, the momentum behind the show reflects a real shift in priorities across the industry. Buyers aren't just looking for a new piece or range, they're looking for trusted partners, smarter strategies, and more responsible ways to grow. This edition brings together audited manufacturers from around the world, a bold content programme, and a community committed to progress. Whether you're tackling new challenges or exploring fresh opportunities, Source Fashion is the place to find the people and ideas that can help move your business forward.'
Fashion Network
18-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Source Fashion links with ATMF "to boost British manufacturing"
Sustainable sourcing trade show Source Fashion has formed a new and long-term partnership with the Apparel & Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF). The collaboration 'will highlight the strengths of UK-based garment and textile manufacturing, promoting ethical production, local supply chains, and sustainability', they said in a release. As part of the partnership, ATMF will curate a showcase of UK manufacturers at Source Fashion's show across from 8-10 July at The Grand Hall, Olympia London, 'providing retailers and brands with direct access to suppliers committed to transparency, fair labour practices, and responsible sourcing'. Source Fashion said the initiative 'reflects its mission to connect buyers with trusted British and international manufacturers that align with the highest standards of sustainability and ethics'. Suzanne Ellingham, director of Source Fashion added that the event 'is a platform that connects the buying community to great factories, we have always strived to create a safe buying space for our community and this partnership gives us the opportunity to showcase and support manufacturers in the UK. "The UK is known for quality and reliability, two things that are becoming vitally important in the current climate. We look forward to introducing our European Buying community to the ATMF and the organisations it supports.' ATMF chair Jenny Holloway added: 'I am delighted to have the opportunity of showcasing the very best of ethical factories in Leicester. The intention is to grow the presence of true genuine ethical factories in the future too with Source. We do call upon the government to provide funding for overseas events too; we should all be proud of Made in the UK-produced garments.'
Fibre2Fashion
17-06-2025
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
Source Fashion's report reveals fashion's overproduction crisis
Source Fashion, the leading destination for responsible sourcing and fashion innovation, has launched a landmark report tackling one of the fashion industry's most pressing but least addressed issues: overproduction. Source Fashion's new report, Do We Really Need to Produce So Much?, reveals fashion's overproduction crisisâ€'80â€'150 billion garments made yearly, with up to 40 per cent unsold. It urges brands to adopt on-demand production, circular design, resale, and co-creation to cut waste and boost margins. The report calls for a shift to smarter, leaner, and more sustainable models. Titled 'Do We Really Need to Produce So Much?', the report—developed in collaboration with retail futures consultancy Insider Trends—offers a data-rich exploration of the scale, causes, and consequences of overproduction. It presents forward-thinking solutions for brands looking to remain competitive while reducing waste and environmental impact. The full report is now available for download at Source Fashion – Overproduction Report 2025. Overproduction: A Costly and Widespread Issue The report reveals that the global fashion industry produces between 80 and 150 billion garments annually—yet up to 40% remain unsold, frequently ending up in landfill, incineration, or markdown bins. Despite the environmental and financial toll, only 1% of fashion brands are actively working to reduce production volumes. A New Blueprint for Fashion Rather than simply highlighting the problem, the report presents actionable models already being piloted by leading brands and retailers: On-Demand Production – Producing only what is needed, when it's needed, to eliminate excess stock. – Producing only what is needed, when it's needed, to eliminate excess stock. Circular Design – Creating garments designed to be reused, repaired, or recycled, thereby extending their lifecycle. – Creating garments designed to be reused, repaired, or recycled, thereby extending their lifecycle. Retail-as-a-Service – Shifting from ownership to access models such as rental, resale, and subscription. – Shifting from ownership to access models such as rental, resale, and subscription. Collaborative Creation – Co-designing with consumers to ensure relevancy and reduce waste. As the report states, 'Brands can reduce production without reducing profit. In fact, in many cases, it increases margins and strengthens consumer trust.' The publication includes case studies from brands already implementing these approaches, demonstrating commercial viability alongside sustainability gains. A Turning Point for Retail The report arrives at a pivotal moment for fashion, as the industry faces shifting consumer expectations, economic uncertainty, and growing pressure from both regulators and investors. Suzanne Ellingham, Sourcing Director at Source said, 'This report highlights the uncomfortable truth behind retails success — that excess production is built into the model with volume is the only way to increase profits. As we approach 2025, companies must question not only how they produce, but how much, and how they deal with . There are real over production and excess. Opportunities for those willing to embrace a leaner, smarter, more circular future.' Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)
