Stronger Together: Fashion – Wellbeing – Skills & Made in the UK
13-05-2026
Newsletter 13th May 2026
Sewing is Good For the Soul – Mental Health Awareness Week – 11th – 17th May
This Mental Health Awareness Week, Fashion-Enter Ltd and the Fashion Technology Academy are celebrating the positive impact creativity can have on wellbeing, confidence and connection.
Through our sewing, repair and upcycling workshops, community drop-ins and creative courses, we see first-hand how fashion can support mindfulness, reduce stress and bring people together in supportive and inclusive spaces. From learning practical skills to meeting like-minded people, these workshops offer far more than creativity alone, they help build confidence, purpose and community.
Our Hope-FX initiative, working alongside North London Mental Health Trust since 2023, has also demonstrated how fashion-based creative learning can support young people through early intervention, skills development and positive social engagement.
Whether it’s learning to sew, repairing a favourite garment or exploring print and design, creativity can play a powerful role in supporting mental wellbeing, something we’re proud to champion every day at FEL and FTA.
If you would like to try a workshop or course please visit our eventbrite page to see what’s on offer.
Free Online Masterclass: Fashion Waste Starts Long Before Landfill
Join us on Monday 18th May at 1.30pm for a free online masterclass: Fashion’s Disgrace – Waste Mountains and How to Make Sure Your Brand is Waste Free
Led by Anastasia Vouyouka, Telestia, Jenny Holloway, CEO, Fashion-Enter Ltd & Chair of ATMF and Paul Markevicius, Business Development Specialist. Hear how brands can reduce waste at every stage — from design and development through to production.
This is a must-attend 1-hour session for brands serious about building smarter, more sustainable systems.
Tap here to register your place and a Zoom link will be emailed to you closer to the date.
Celebrate Mend It May with Free Creative Workshops
Join us this Mend It May with free events taking place across London and Leicester, celebrating creativity, sustainability and practical skills.
At the FC Designer Workspace in Islington, our ReFAB Studio X FEL workshops, supported by The Clothworkers’ Company, are bringing the community together to learn upcycling techniques using luxury reclaimed fabrics. Participants create lifestyle products including cushion covers, make-up bags and totes while developing green skills, confidence and wellbeing. These free public workshops continue throughout the summer until September.
On Tuesday 26th May, we are also hosting a free Repair & Upcycling Drop-In Session at the FC Designer Collective shop on Fonthill Road. Open to the community these bi-monthly drop-in sessions are supported by Islington Council to encourage repair and reuse.
Meanwhile, at the Fashion Hub Leicester, a special Repair & Upcycling Workshop also on 26th May will give participants the opportunity to develop technical skills, creative ideas and sustainable approaches that can be integrated into their own practice or business.
To find out more and register your place visit our eventbrite page.
Build Your Future Workforce with Fashion Apprenticeships
As the UK fashion and textile industry continues to face growing skills shortages, apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly valuable way for businesses to recruit, develop and retain future talent.
At Fashion-Enter Ltd’s Fashion Technology Academy, we work directly with brands and manufacturers including Chanel, NEXT, ASOS, Marks & Spencer and New Look to deliver industry-led apprenticeships tailored to the fashion sector.
Our programmes include the Level 2 Sewing Machinist Apprenticeship and the Level 4 Fashion & Textiles Product Technologist Apprenticeship, helping businesses build technical skills, strengthen product development teams and future-proof their workforce.
Delivered within a live manufacturing environment, apprentices gain hands-on industry experience from day one, developing practical skills, confidence and workplace readiness.
To discuss apprenticeship opportunities or workforce development support, contact: training@fashion-enter.com
Visit: https://fcfta.com/employers/ for more on employing an apprentice.
Next Week: The Great British Wool Revival Summit
Organised by the Fashion Roundtable The Great British Wool Revival Summit is set to take place on 20th May in partnership with The King’s Foundation at the historic Dumfries House. Positioned as the first “farm to fashion” event of its kind, the summit will unite farmers, manufacturers, designers, brands and innovators for a truly immersive “clip to consumer” experience. Through a curated programme of panel discussions, workshops and live demonstrations, the event aims to foster collaboration, share expertise and strengthen links across the British wool supply chain, with a strong emphasis on provenance, craftsmanship and regeneration.
Part of the wider Great British Wool Revival initiative founded by Tamara Cincik, the summit will also introduce a dedicated farmer-to-maker matchmaking element, designed to spark meaningful cross-industry partnerships. Confirmed speakers include Kate Hills and Kirsty McGregor, with additional names to be announced. With a limited guest list to ensure meaningful engagement, the summit marks an important step in championing British wool and building a more connected, resilient UK textile industry.
Tap here for an Industry Day ticket
And here for an Education Day ticket
Introducing Greystoke – Bespoke Facilities and Property Management
Greystoke specialises in solving the everyday challenges that come with running properties and facilities – helping clients maintain high standards across multiple sites while working within operational budgets. From cleaning and maintenance to security, grounds services and specialist support, Greystoke delivers tailored facilities management solutions designed to keep buildings and events running smoothly.
Behind the business is Director Morag Horner (pictured above), whose entrepreneurial journey has shaped the resilience and hands-on approach that defines Greystoke today. After studying Fashion with Business at Brighton University, Morag began her career working for Vivienne Westwood in London before successfully running her own recruitment and security businesses for over two decades.
Following the challenges of personal illness and the COVID pandemic, Morag launched a cleaning company from scratch – driving around construction sites asking for opportunities. That determination quickly evolved into Greystoke, an organically grown facilities management company built on trust, adaptability and exceptional service.
“As difficult as those years were, they taught me never to give up,” says Morag. “I’ve always loved building something from nothing — and creating services that people can genuinely rely on.”
To find out more about Greystoke’s services visit: www.greystoke.co
Remembering Jake Hall
(Jake centre with the mic at Leicester Made 2025)
We were saddened to hear about the recent passing of Jake Hall, he was not only a valued client through his brand Jake by Jake Hall, but also a passionate advocate for British manufacturing and emerging talent within the UK fashion industry. We were proud to support Jake with London production and to work alongside him during his journey.
Last year, Jake generously shared his insight and passion as a speaker on our Manufacturing Panel at Leicester Made 2025, championing the importance of Made in the UK manufacturing and inspiring others across the industry.
Our thoughts and condolences are with Jake’s family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched.
2026 School Leavers…What Next?
Did you know the FTA Islington campus runs a UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Creative Practice. This 1-year, full-time course gives students an in-depth introduction to the creative industries. The qualification provides students with the necessary industry relevant skills, knowledge, and understanding to access appropriate entry level roles, training programmes or apprenticeships in the creative sector, or apply for progression to related higher education courses.
Starting September 2026 the course blends practical workshops with industry-standard techniques, research-driven projects, and opportunities to build confident presentation skills, the programme equips students with everything they need to thrive in the world of art and design.
Tap on the link to find out more about the course, if you would like to meet the team, ask questions, visit the campus and try out the equipment upcoming Open Days will be held on:
All between 10am–2pm, FC Designer Workspace, 9 Durham Road, Islington, London, N7 7FB. Early registration is advised as places are limited.
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
1 & 2 Day Courses and Workshops
14th May (Every Thursday) – Drop In Sewing and Pattern Cutting – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
16th May – Saturday Fabric Manipulation and Textile Embellishment Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
18th May – Online Masterclass: Waste Mountains and How to Make Sure Your Brand is Waste Free – Free, register to receive the link to join
23rd May – Saturday Pattern Cutting Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
26th May – Free Repair & Upcycling Drop In Session – FC Designer Collective shop – Free please register
26th May – Mend It May Repair & Upcycling Session – FTA Fashion Hub, Phoenix House, Leicester – Free
12th June – Free ReFAB X FEL Upcycling Community Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – Free, please register
More courses for the coming weeks can be found here.
For all course enquiries contact: education@fashion-enter.com or call 0208 809 3311
This Week on FashionCapital…
This week FashionCapital features guest legal insight from Elena Bajada, Managing Director at Major, Lindsey & Africa. Her article: After the Founder: The Legal Architecture of Legacy explores the growing challenges facing luxury fashion houses as iconic Italian brands including Armani, Versace and Dolce & Gabbana navigate leadership transitions, evolving brand identities and the complex legal considerations that come with redefining founder-led businesses.
And Finally…
Big congratulations to Nivetha, Production Coordinator at FEL in Haringey, here she is celebrating her upcoming wedding with the team!
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital / Fashion-Enter Ltd
