Knowledge Connect

Knowledge Connect is an LDA funded programme to assist SME's grow productive and profitable work with an innovative enterprising project. However there are a few key criteria you must have to apply which are:

• You must have a London trading address; this can be in greater London also.
• At least 4 full time employees or the equivalent where part time staff count as 0.5 and freelance count as 1 as are considered vital in the fashion industry.
• Your company must be able to produce financial accounts including cash flow, profit and loss and the balance sheet.
• You must have an innovative idea to assist the growth of your business with clear focus and structure.

Once you know you fit all of the criteria above you can then request an application form by contacting Emily@fashioncapital.co.uk. There is a meeting on the 21st April at the Kingston Showroom where you can speak with Knowledge Connect representatives about your ideas, please RSVP Emily Tullett on the same address.

The £10,000 worth of funding will provide you with a specialist in your area of desired innovation to increase your knowledge and work with you using the fantastic facilities at Kingston College. The £10,000 grant is match funded, usually in terms of your time and the project can take 30 days.

The new facilities at Anstee House provide a fully equipped printed textile studio and Dubied industrial knitting machines, allowing for the further development of textile design within the National Diploma in Fashion & Clothing and BA Fashion & Textiles programmes. The environment encourages an industrious and professional work ethic amongst the students, who also benefit from our link with Fashion Enter and the opportunity to work alongside designers working in the industry. The move to Anstee House will enable Kingston College to strengthen its reputation as lead providers of quality fashion and textile courses in the South East.

Also the current usage of machinery is:
ND Cutting/Machine room (large room with sky light) – Monday 9.00 – 12.30, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. 10.00am – 3.30pm. Friday, all day. BA Cutting & Machine room – Thursday all day until 7.30pm. It is also used for Open access on a more ‘ad hoc' basis at the moment, but can be more formally time-tabled.

This really is a fantastic opportunity to make your ideas a reality with the expertise, facilities and funding available for you to utilise and expand your business. An opportunity not to be missed out on.