UKFT is delighted to launch the 'Reshoring for Real: The Future of Domestic UK Apparel Manufacturing' report, which explores opportunities for growing domestic fashion manufacturing.
It presents a comprehensive analysis of current sourcing trends as well as future prospects for apparel manufacturing in the UK. The research is based on insights from eight leading UK retailers with a combined turnover of £26.1 billion and operations in 180 countries. It explores current sourcing behaviours, global supply chain dynamics, circularity initiatives and provides recommendations to boost domestic UK manufacturing.
SP&KO consultancy have strongly contributed to the delivery of this report, contributing in-depth industry research and ESG expertise.
Summary of Key Findings
Appetite for UK Production
Brands would like to expand UK sourcing in knitwear, jersey, Cut, Make and Trim (CMT), and printing - but only if the cost model and ethical standards rise. Most plan to continue using the UK for responsive, low-volume production, with only a third considering long-term planning at this time.
For costs to reduce, factories need to be efficient and have consistent workflow volumes. Brands have a huge part to play through capacity planning and purchasing behaviour. The same buying practices should be applied to onshore as well as offshore sourcing.
Current UK Sourcing Landscape
While sourcing from the UK has been utilised historically, it currently accounts for a small portion of overall sourcing activity, primarily serving niche or agile needs such as
printing, knitwear and test-and-react models. Order volumes remain relatively low, often with minimal planning and/or long-term commitments.
Ethical Concerns as a Barrier
Ethical compliance challenges, including historical labour issues, continue to influence perceptions of UK sourcing, impacting even highly compliant manufacturers due to broader industry concerns.
Strengthening trust in UK sourcing will require transparent practices, strategic partnerships and a clearer understanding of its value and purchasing dynamics.
Global Disruptions Driving Reassessment
Brexit, geopolitical tensions, global shipping delays and increased transport costs have increased the appeal of nearshoring. However, brands are not yet shifting strategic volume production back to the UK, instead leveraging UK suppliers for speed, flexibility and special projects.
Rising Demand for Circularity
Brands place high priority on recycling excess stock, using recycled materials and gaining traceability through reliable data. There is growing support for a fully circular UK supply chain, but limitations in recycling infrastructure at scale and the commercial viability of recycled inputs remain a challenge.
Regulatory and Legislation Readiness
All respondents are preparing for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and most are aware of the upcoming EU Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). However, awareness of and readiness for the UK's proposed Garment Code Adjudicator (GCA) are limited.
This report has been developed by UKFT with support from UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) and the Circular Fashion Innovation Network.
It is part of the sustainable manufacturing pillar, which also includes projects and interventions to explore circular manufacturing, textile dyeing, enhance existing UK manufacturing capacity and decarbonise manufacturing.
Find out more below.
