Bringing Together Expertise from Across the Fashion & Textile Industry
In Factories We Trust (IFWT) has been developed through a unique collaboration between organisations working across manufacturing, education, policy, research and industry representation.
Funded by **The Garment and Textile Workers Trust (GTWT), the programme brings together a diverse partnership with a shared ambition: to strengthen UK fashion and textile manufacturing through greater transparency, collaboration and innovation.
Each partner contributes specialist knowledge and experience, ensuring that IFWT reflects the needs of manufacturers, brands, retailers, policymakers and the wider industry.
Together, we are building a trusted platform that supports informed sourcing decisions, promotes best practice and champions the future of UK manufacturing.
The Garment and Textile Workers Trust (GTWT)
The Garment and Textile Workers Trust are the funders of the In Factories We Trust programme and is committed to improving the long-term future of the UK garment and textile sector.
Established to support garment and textile workers through advocacy, education, grant-making and community initiatives, the Trust works to promote fair working conditions, strengthen worker representation and encourage sustainable industry growth.
By funding IFWT, GTWT is investing in a programme that supports manufacturers, improves transparency across supply chains and creates opportunities for a stronger, more resilient UK manufacturing industry.
The Apparel & Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF)
The Apparel & Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF) represents the collective voice of UK apparel and textile manufacturers.
Working closely with manufacturers, government and industry stakeholders, ATMF champions ethical manufacturing, supply chain resilience and policies that support domestic production.
Through IFWT, ATMF provides direct engagement with manufacturers across the UK, ensuring the platform reflects real industry needs while strengthening collaboration throughout the manufacturing community.
Fashion-Enter Ltd
Fashion-Enter Ltd is the lead delivery partner for In Factories We Trust and brings almost two decades of experience in ethical garment manufacturing, skills development and industry innovation.
Established in 2006, Fashion-Enter operates an award-winning manufacturing facility, training academies and industry innovation centres, supporting everyone from start-up brands to major retailers through UK production, product development and workforce training.
Within IFWT, Fashion-Enter leads programme delivery, manufacturer engagement and platform development, ensuring the initiative reflects the practical needs of today’s manufacturing industry while supporting future growth across the sector.
Fashion Roundtable
Fashion Roundtable is the leading independent fashion policy think tank, providing strategic insight across sustainability, trade, manufacturing, education and industrial policy.
FR’s work connects government, industry and academia to develop evidence-based recommendations that support a stronger and more responsible fashion and textiles ecosystem.
Within IFWT, Fashion Roundtable has been commissioned to provide an economic report that supports the case for Made in the UK and provides policy leadership, helping ensure the programme reflects emerging legislation, public procurement opportunities and the evolving needs of UK fashion and textile businesses.
De Montfort University
De Montfort University (DMU) is internationally recognised for excellence in fashion education, design innovation and applied research.
With extensive expertise across fashion, textiles, sustainability and manufacturing technologies, DMU contributes academic research, evaluation and industry insight that supports the long-term development of the programme. DMU has conducted the desk top research into existing UK and international websites and sourcing platforms as well as creating feedback groups from undergraduates for the future of buying and garment manufacturing.
The University’s involvement helps ensure IFWT is informed by evidence, innovation and the skills needed to support the future of UK manufacturing.
SP&KO Consultancy
SP&KO Consultancy brings specialist expertise in manufacturing research, supply chain development and strategic industry engagement.
Working alongside the programme partners, SP&KO supports research, stakeholder consultation and the development of practical recommendations for IFWT via the major retail brands, undertaking an in-depth survey on needs and requirements. The evidence has then been collated to create the right fields of data for IFWT. This to derive meaningful value for both manufacturers and buyers.
Its contribution helps bridge industry knowledge with practical implementation, ensuring IFWT continues to evolve in response to changing market needs.
Working Together
No single organisation can transform the future of UK fashion and textile manufacturing alone.
By combining expertise across manufacturing, education, research, policy and industry representation, the IFWT partnership provides a strong foundation for long-term collaboration and meaningful change.
Together, we are working to build greater trust, increase transparency and create new opportunities for UK manufacturers, brands and Public Procurement decision makers for the fashion industry.