Ready Masterclass with Caroline Trend for Emerging Designers

On 18th December, Fashion-Enter Ltd, delivered a free one-hour Zoom masterclass aimed at supporting emerging designers, start-ups and fashion students looking to work more effectively with UK manufacturers. Titled “New Designers: How to Work Successfully With UK Factories”, the session was led by industry specialist Caroline Trend and welcomed attendees from both the Fashion Technology Academy and the wider UK fashion community.

 

 

The masterclass focused on breaking down the often complex manufacturing process and offering practical, step-by-step guidance on what UK factories require before committing to a new project. It was particularly valuable for designers developing their first collection, those preparing to approach manufacturers, or anyone unsure why factories may not be engaging with them.

The session began with a welcome from Fashion-Enter Ltd CEO Jenny Holloway, who joined live from the FTA Christmas Breakfast to introduce Caroline and underline the importance of clear communication and professional working relationships between designers and manufacturers. FTA students from both London and Leicester also took part, gaining first-hand insight into how UK factories operate.

 

 

During the masterclass, Caroline explored how factories assess new designers, the reasons projects are accepted or declined, and the common issues that can cause delays. Strong emphasis was placed on preparation, including what makes an effective tech pack, how fabric and trim choices impact costs, MOQs and lead times, and the importance of realistic budgeting and sampling plans.

A dedicated section addressed the most common mistakes made by new designers, highlighting typical red flags seen by factories and offering guidance on how to avoid them. Practical checklists and best-practice advice were shared to help attendees reach a truly “factory-ready” stage.

 

 

The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, where participants asked questions on topics such as tech pack software, sourcing the right manufacturers for specific products, and setting up a small-scale UK manufacturing studio. Caroline also invited attendees to book short one-to-one sessions for further advice.

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with participants describing the masterclass as “really helpful” and a “great presentation”. Attendees left with increased confidence, a clearer understanding of factory expectations, and practical tools to approach manufacturers with realistic timelines, budgets and professional clarity.

 

 

Through initiatives like this, Fashion-Enter Ltd and the Fashion Technology Academy continue to support emerging talent through accessible, industry-led education, helping to strengthen the connection between design, skills and UK manufacturing.

Visit our Eventbrite page to view up and coming online masterclasses from industry experts.

Next masterclass: Understanding Fabric from Fibre to Finish with Niall Maplesden, Director of The Knowledge Nexus, 29th January 2026.