Hear From Leading Industry Voices
18-03-2026
Newsletter 18th March 2026
LM&R: Drapers Editor to Lead Headline Panel
We are delighted to announce that Jill Geoghegan, editor of Drapers (pictured), will moderate the headline panel, “UK Manufacturing: Is It Too Expensive – Or Is the Sourcing Model Broken?” at Leicester Made & Regions (LM&R) 2026 on 24th April. With 13 years at the London-based title, widely regarded as the “bible of the fashion industry”, Jill brings deep insight into the evolving retail landscape, from the high street to digital transformation and sustainability. Her expertise will guide a vital panel discussion, which brings together fashion and textile manufacturers, brands, designers, educators, innovators and policymakers from across the UK.
Jill will join a growing list of leading industry voices, including:
- Joseph Mountain – Sustainability Manager, N Brown Group
- Tamara Sender Ceron – Associate Principal Fashion Retail Research, Mintel
- Suzanne Ellingham – Director, Source Fashion / Hyve Group
- Simon Platts – Co-Founder, SP&KO Responsible Sourcing & ESG Consultancy
- Emma Finamore – Features Editor, Drapers
Additional speakers and industry leaders will be announced in the lead-up to the event.
For more information on Leicester Made and Regions and to register to attend tap here.
For further information, exhibiting opportunities or press enquiries, please contact beth@fashion-enter.com
It’s Global Recycling Day!
This Global Recycling Day, we’re reminded that recycling is one of the most powerful tools we have to tackle climate change and protect our planet’s resources. With the fashion industry generating up to 120 million tonnes of textile waste each year, and less than 1% recycled back into new garments, the need for change has never been greater. That’s why initiatives like the collaboration between Fashion-Enter Ltd and ReFAB Studio, supported by The Clothworkers’ Company, are so important. Providing free, hands-on, upcycling workshops that transform unused designer textiles into practical products like tote bags and cushion covers, while building skills, confidence and community. With fantastic feedback from participants already, the next workshop on 26th March offers another chance to turn waste into something meaningful.
To find out more visit our Masterclasses / Eventbrite page.
Level 3 Open Days For 16 – 18 Year Olds This Spring
The Fashion Technology Academy is delighted to announce its upcoming Open Days, with applications for 16 – 18 year old learners now open. Ideal for those eager to explore creativity through hands-on learning, the UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Creative Practice offer a strong pathway into university-level study in art and design. Students will benefit from practical workshops, gallery visits, independent research, and experience using industry-standard materials and techniques, while also developing key presentation and communication skills.
Open Days will take place on Saturday 4th April, Saturday 9th May, and Thursday 16th July (10am–2pm), giving prospective students the chance to tour facilities, meet tutors and current learners, and receive guidance on applications and career pathways. Attendees can explore their future in a supportive, creative environment and secure their place for September 2026 – early registration is recommended as places are limited.
FC Designer Workspace, 9 Durham Road, Islington, London, N7 7FB, tap here to register your place, or get in touch with lan@fashion-enter.com to find out more.
Navigating the UK’s Sustainability Reporting Standards Seminar
On 17th March, FEL’s Creative Director, Beth Davy Day attended the online seminar Demystifying SRS: Navigating the UK’s Sustainability Reporting Standards. The session provided valuable insight into the timing and scope of upcoming requirements, practical steps for early readiness, and how organisations can use sustainability reporting as a strategic advantage. With contributions from industry experts including Ro Egglesfield, Alex Kyloh, Aaron Saw, and Eleanor Fraser-Smith, the seminar explored alignment with frameworks such as ISSB, CSRD and B Corp, as well as evolving expectations from investors and regulators. The session reinforced the importance of using this voluntary period to prepare effectively ahead of mandatory reporting, ensuring a smooth transition rather than a reactive approach in 2027.
WEA Collaborates With FTA Leicester
A new collaboration between the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) and the Fashion Technology Academy (FTA) Leicester is creating exciting opportunities for local adults to build both language and vocational skills. Based at Phoenix House in Leicester, WEA will deliver ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses alongside FTA’s hands-on fashion and textile training, offering a unique, industry-led learning environment. By combining English language development with technical and digital skills, the partnership is helping learners gain confidence, access new career pathways, and connect with Leicester’s thriving fashion sector.
Job Opportunity in Leicester
Avinci Ltd in Leicester is currently recruiting for a Flatbed Machinist to join their team. This role offers an excellent opportunity for a skilled individual with experience in CNC or manual flatbed machining to work on precision components in a dynamic production environment. If you are interested in this position please apply promptly as interviews are due to take place 24th March.
To find out more and for the application details tap here.
Equipping Learners for Today’s Online Realities
Did you see the recent documentary Inside the Manosphere by Louis Theroux on Netflix? The programme brought attention to the growing influence of online culture on young people. Exploring digital communities often grouped under the term “manosphere,” the programme highlighted how some spaces promote extreme views on masculinity, including misogyny, hostility toward women and rigid gender roles. Experts continue to warn that exposure to such content can shape attitudes, relationships, and mental health, particularly among more vulnerable audiences.
For organisations working in education and skills training, staying informed on these developments is essential to effectively support learners. Jenny Holloway, CEO of Fashion-Enter Ltd, explains: “Having just updated our education team with Prevent Officer Tishya Desai from Haringey, this new documentary on Manosphere really contextualises why we have to bring such topics into education. We don’t tick-box our learning. We aim to provide a complete up-to-date education that equips our learners for work and life.”
To find out more about the FTA’s Safeguarding tap here.
Courses Workshops and Masterclasses
Roll-on courses:
Available at all campuses Islington, Haringey and Leicester.
UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Creative Practice
Drop-In Sewing:
19th March – After work drop in Sewing – FC Designer Workspace – £20 + eventbrite fee
Fabric Manipulation and Textile Embellishment:
28th March – Fabric Manipulation and textile Embellishment Saturday Class – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
Sewing:
23rd & 24th March – 2-day Introduction to Industrial Sewing and Garment Making – FC Designer Workspace – £70 + eventbrite fee
Pattern Cutting:
23rd March – Introduction to Patternmaking: Darted bodice with sleeves – FTA Haringey – £45 + eventbrite fee
Corset Making:
21st March – Saturday Introduction to Corset Making – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
Repair & Upcycling:
24th March – 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…
Why Fashion Startups Lose Time and Money in Post – Production
And Finally…Become A Pattern Cutting Pro
Due to high demand, we are excited to introduce a new series of short introductory courses in pattern cutting at the Fashion Technology Academy. Covering key techniques such as creating a simple darted bodice with sleeves, dress blocks, collars and sleeve construction, dart manipulation and more, these workshops are designed to build strong foundational skills in pattern drafting. The ‘Introduction to Patternmaking’ courses are ideal for beginners looking to explore the principles of block-making and garment construction in a practical, hands-on environment. With small class sizes held at our FTA Haringey campus, learners benefit from personalised support while developing the confidence and technical ability needed to progress in fashion design. Tap here to view all the courses.
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital / Fashion-Enter Ltd
