REVIEW
Shaping the future of sourcing Across the three days, Source Fashion’s content programme reflected an industry increasingly focused on implementation rather than aspiration, with discussions exploring AI, supply chain resilience, British manufacturing, transparency, circularity and the commercial realities shaping sourcing decisions today. Charlotte Morley, Operations Director at
SOURCE FASHION CELEBRATES ITS STRONGEST EDITION YET AFTER ITS MOVE TO EXCEL
Source Fashion closed its strongest edition to date last month, bringing three days of international sourcing, collaboration and industry debate at Excel London to a close.
F
ollowing a successful debut in its new home at Excel London, Source Fashion welcomed buyers, brands
and manufacturers from across the global fashion industry, generating strong visitor engagement, high-quality commercial conversations and a shared focus on building more resilient, transparent and commercially successful supply chains. The move to Excel London enabled Source
Fashion’s largest and most international edition yet, reflecting the show’s continued growth as a global sourcing platform that connects international manufacturers with buyers while providing an increasingly important international showcase for British manufacturing. Over the three days, the event saw an
increase in footfall and a 20 per cent increase high value buyers, including the likes of Next, John Lewis, Debenhams Group, Matalan, TK Maxx, Harvey Nichols, Avon, Fred Perry, Marc Jacobs, French Connection, Reiss, and many more.
British manufacturing took centre stage Emerging as one of the defining themes of this season’s show, live demonstrations, practical workshops and conversations across the exhibition showcased the breadth of UK manufacturing. Live
14 • FOOTWEAR & FASHION TODAY • AUGUST 2026
Elizabeth Scarlett, commented: “Alongside meeting manufacturers, the content programme gives buyers the opportunity to better understand the realities of sourcing, manufacturing and the challenges facing the industry. It’s a great place to hear different perspectives, learn from experts and have conversations that you don’t often get elsewhere.” One of the standout discussions on the final
day explored how brands can build more agile sourcing strategies without increasing risk or overproduction. Rather than viewing minimum order quantities as a barrier, the panel highlighted the importance of stronger supplier partnerships, flexible manufacturing models and smarter buying decisions that enable brands to test products, improve cash flow and respond more effectively to changing consumer demand. The conversations taking place throughout the
programme reflected the continued evolution of Source Fashion itself. As the show grows, it is increasingly bringing together global sourcing expertise with expanding opportunities for British manufacturers, responding to growing buyer demand for both international production partners and stronger domestic manufacturing capability. Suzanne Ellingham, Event Director of Source
features including The Factory by ApparelTASKER gave visitors the opportunity to experience manufacturing first-hand, demonstrating the craftsmanship, technical expertise and transparency behind modern garment production. The enthusiasm was reflected more widely
across the show floor, where exhibitors reported strong commercial outcomes, high-quality buyer engagement and growing demand for British manufacturing. Andrea Courtney, Director of Courtney & Co,
said: “Source Fashion has been incredibly positive for us. We met a wide range of brands we’d never connected with before and were busy throughout with meaningful conversations. It’s exactly the kind of environment that helps us build new relationships and generate future business.”
Fashion, said the show has become much more than a sourcing exhibition, but a global platform to connect manufacturers with buyers who are looking for resilient, responsible and commercially successful sourcing partners. “We have created an increasingly valuable
international stage for British manufacturing,” she said, “giving brands the opportunity to showcase their capabilities alongside the very best in the world, and not only showcase but win the orders that will allow them to grow with us. “The success of our move to Excel London has
given us the space and confidence to continue evolving the show, and as more people discover Source Fashion they’re asking for more from us, and I’m committed to building a platform that reflects how the industry is changing while continuing to support its future growth.”
¡ Source Fashion returns to Excel London on 19-21 January 2027 with an expanded textiles offer and new international pavilions!
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