Building Trust, Transparency and Growth Across UK Fashion & Textile Manufacturing
In Factories We Trust (IFWT) is a national initiative to strengthen the future of UK fashion and textile manufacturing through greater trust, transparency and collaboration.
Funded by The Garment and Textile Workers Trust (GTWT), the programme brings together Fashion-Enter Ltd, Fashion Roundtable, De Montfort University (DMU), SP&KO Consultancy and The Apparel and Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF) to undertake due diligence and to create a trusted platform that connects manufacturers, brands, retailers, educators and policymakers.
At a time when global supply chains are under increasing pressure, businesses are seeking greater transparency, resilience and confidence in where and how products are made. The UK has an extraordinary network of skilled manufacturers, yet many remain difficult to discover, underrepresented within sourcing networks and unable to fully showcase the breadth of their capabilities.
In Factories We Trust has been created to change that.
By bringing together trusted manufacturer information, industry insight and collaborative expertise, IFWT aims to make it easier for buyers to source responsibly, for manufacturers to increase their visibility, and for the wider industry to celebrate the strength of UK fashion and textile manufacturing.
Why In Factories We Trust?
For generations, the UK has been recognised for its craftsmanship, technical expertise and innovation in garment and textile production. While the industry has evolved significantly, demand for ethical, transparent and locally responsive manufacturing has never been greater.
Brands and Public Procurement bodies are increasingly looking closer to home for partners that can offer quality, flexibility, shorter lead times and greater supply chain visibility. At the same time, manufacturers need better opportunities to demonstrate the investments they have made in compliance, sustainability, skills and innovation.
IFWT has been developed to bridge this gap by creating a trusted, independent platform where manufacturers can showcase their businesses and buyers can make informed sourcing decisions with confidence. What makes the site unique is that it provides the ability for reviews to be posted following any work undertaken with the factory. In addition, checks with the factories have taken place and factories are encouraged to upload their accreditations, certifications and any corrective action plans that they want to share.
Our Mission
Our mission is to strengthen UK fashion and textile manufacturing by building trust, increasing transparency and encouraging meaningful collaboration across the supply chain.
Through greater visibility, shared knowledge and industry partnership, we aim to support manufacturers, empower buyers and help create a more resilient, ethical and competitive manufacturing sector for the future.
Our Vision
We believe the UK should be recognised for it’s excellence in quality, speed of response, responsible production, technical innovation and skilled craftsmanship.
Our vision is to create a connected manufacturing community where trusted information supports better decision-making, collaboration drives innovation and UK manufacturers are recognised for the value they bring to both domestic and international supply chains.
As the programme develops, IFWT will continue to support the industry’s transition towards greater transparency, traceability and responsible sourcing while helping businesses prepare for future legislative and market requirements.
A Collaborative Industry Programme
The strength of In Factories We Trust lies in its partnership.
The programme brings together expertise from manufacturing, education, research, policy and industry representation to ensure the platform reflects the needs of the sector as a whole.
Together, our partners are working towards a shared ambition: to strengthen UK manufacturing, support responsible growth and create new opportunities for manufacturers, brands and workers alike.
Discover more about the organisations behind the programme on our Partners page.
Looking Forward
In Factories We Trust is more than a platform, it is the beginning of a long-term movement to champion UK fashion and textile manufacturing.
By increasing visibility, encouraging collaboration and providing trusted industry information, we will inspire greater confidence in UK sourcing, support business growth and create much needed jobs in the sector as well as safeguarding existing jobs. This site will shape a stronger, more resilient manufacturing sector for generations to come.