Ethical trade show Source Fashion is backing British heritage manufacturers to the tune of £500,000 in a major new rolling initiative designed to champion the sector.
The new scheme will provide each of 15 selected UK-based heritage manufacturers with a fully funded trade show stand, marketing support, and brand development assistance, representing over £0.5 million worth of support to run across the next three years.
Beginning February 2026, Source Fashion will also form a dedicated British Heritage Pavilion to showcase the 15 “curated, high-quality, heritage manufacturers, from across the UK”.
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.
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