Supporting the UK’s Fashion Sector Since 2001
01-10-2025
Newsletter 1st October 2025
Fashion Forward Success Leicester
A big thank you to the 70-plus attendees at yesterday’s first Fashion Forward networking meeting at the LCB Depot in Leicester. The afternoon event was full of genuine presentations to help start-up brands, scale ups and factories gain advice and create new business from three amazing guest speakers.
First off Peter Gallagher-With from The Fashion Guild discussed the role of AI in fashion today and the continual advancements. This was a great interactive session with probing questions from attendees from De Montfort University.
Next, was Russell Hammond, who dug deep into the nitty-gritty of starting a brand and how you need ‘renaissance’ people in your business! Russell has a wealth of expertise and his pearls of wisdom were priceless.
Finally, Midori took the stand and Kelly and Miles explained how there’s no point in having a website that’s not your sales assistant! And how to make an etail website work for you!
The session rounded off with networking before going into the ATMF general meeting. FEL CEO and ATMF Chair Jenny Holloway said: “There was one resounding theme today – and that’s Leicester is FANTASTIC! There is an abundance of talent and skills and now it’s time to get behind this glorious city and support the factories. Time for a new platform that showcases what Leicester’s jewels really are.
“Thank you to everyone who made yesterday a great success. This is only the start of the journey!”
Details on the next Fashion Forward will be announced in due course.
Speaking at the UKFT Sustainability Conference
Last week, 25th September 2025, Jenny Holloway spoke at the UKFT Sustainability Conference at Drapers’ Hall, London. The conference theme was Innovation In Action, and invited speakers discussed how innovation is driving real change across the UK fashion and textile supply chain.
Jenny Holloway said: “Thank you to UKFTA, it was great to see familiar faces and brands at the UKFT conference and meet a few new people too – with whom we are engaging with now. However, I did wonder where all the big brands were?
“It feels as though true innovation is really occurring with the supply base but not really being supported by the big guns of retail themselves. This continual investment to make suppliers lean can only go on so long without recognition and orders from brands. It’s time for a roundtable with brands and suppliers to find new ways forward for business in the UK.”
UK–Ghana Chamber of Commerce
Today, 1st October, Jenny Holloway represented Fashion-Enter Ltd at the UK–Ghana Chamber of Commerce to a Dialogue on Driving UK–Ghana Trade Growth in the Garments Sector, as part of the UKGCC Garments and Textiles Roadshow 2025.
This meeting brought together policymakers, industry leaders, regulators, and business stakeholders from the UK and Ghana to explore opportunities for deepening bilateral trade in the garment sector.
More on this next week.
Sustainable Fashion Week
Move over Paris, this week we are embracing Sustainable Fashion Week, running until 5th October with events and workshops up and down the UK. Yesterday, we held our free, drop-in repair and upcycle workshop at the FC Designer Collective shop on Fonthill Road, north London. Attendees brought in a range of items to repair, and in some cases, completely rework, including vintage designer finds. These free sessions are possible thanks to support from Islington Council and fantastic news, they have committed to further support for the next 6-months. To join the next session in north London on Tuesday 7th October, tap here.
Meanwhile in Leicester, the FTA team provided a Repair Cafe at the Wesley Hall Sustainable Fashion Week event today (1st October). Jo Bean, Studio Manager at FTA Leicester said: “It’s important to show that sustainable fashion isn’t just a trend – it’s a community movement. By learning how to repair and upcycle keeps clothing in use for longer and empowers people to make real, long-lasting change.”
Job Opportunity…
Labour Behind the Label is looking for a Community Organiser and Engagement Lead based in Leicester. Tap here to find out more about this role and how to apply.
Congratulations to Puja
Puja, based at the FTA Leicester, has just been awarded her Level 3 certificate in Education and Training. Well done Puja!
FEL Named Top Ranking Apprenticeship Provider
Did you know FEL has been officially recognised as the top-ranking provider of fashion and textile apprenticeships in London on the Gov.uk website, a testament to its commitment to high-quality, industry-led education.
CEO Jenny Holloway commented: “We are proud to be recognised as London’s top provider. Our mission has always been to bridge the gap between education and employment by providing real, meaningful experiences in a live working environment.”
As the demand for skilled professionals in ethical and sustainable fashion continues to grow, FEL and the FTA remain at the forefront of training the next generation of talent in the UK.
Find out more about our apprenticeships here.
New Autumn Courses
We have a new autumn schedule of 1, 2 or 3 day courses available at the FC Designer Workspace in Finsbury Park. Take your pick from corset making, draping and fashion illustration taught by the inspirational, designer John Herrera.
Courses Workshops and Masterclasses
Roll-on courses:
Available at all campuses Islington, Haringey and Leicester.
Diploma in Fashion Design and Business
Fashion Illustration:
30th October – 2-Day Fashion Illustration for Beginners – FC Designer Workspace – £90 + eventbrite fee
Introduction to Draping
8th November – Introduction to Draping – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
Corset Making:
25th October – Saturday Introduction to Corset Making – FC Designer Workspace – £45 – eventbrite fee
27th – 29th October – 3-Day Corset Making for Beginners – FC Designer Workspace – £135 + eventbrite fee
Repair & Upcycling:
7th October – Free Repair and Upcycling Drop-In – FC Designer Collective shop – free
28th October – Free Repair and Upcycling Drop-In – FC Designer Collective shop – free
For all course enquiries contact: education@fashion-enter.com or call 0208 809 3311
This Week on FashionCapital…
The True Value of the UK Fashion & Textile Industry — and Why It Needs Government Backing
And Finally…FEL at Fashion17 This Saturday
Taking place this Saturday 4th October members of the FEL team will be joining Fashion17 in Walthamstow, north London this Saturday 4th October.
Fashion17 celebrates and promotes local independent fashion businesses and links them with investment and marketing support. It’s a completely free event and open to all interested in learning and working within the fashion sector.
Fashion17 at the Soho Theatre, Hoe Street, Walthamstow, Saturday 4th October from 12-2pm.
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital/Fashion-Enter Ltd
