Inspired Learning
29-07-2026
Newsletter 29th July 2026
FEL X ReFAB Studio Collab Success!
FEL is celebrating the successful completion of its 12-part community upcycling workshop series with ReFAB Studio, supported by The Clothworkers’ Company. Hosted at FC Designer Workspace in Islington, the free workshops attracted a high number of participants throughout, welcoming local residents and community groups, including the YMCA, to learn sewing and upcycling skills while transforming luxury deadstock fabrics into practical products. The programme not only promoted sustainable fashion and textile reuse but also empowered participants with the confidence to continue their creative journeys.
The impact of the collaboration was perhaps best captured in a heartfelt thank-you letter from participant Chiaki, who wrote: “This workshop gave me much more than sewing skills. It helped me build self-confidence, and I was happy to make new friends. These are experiences that I will always value.”
Alongside overwhelmingly positive feedback praising the expert tuition, supportive environment and sense of community, the programme has demonstrated the power of creative education to build skills, confidence and lasting connections. Following its success, FEL looks forward to future collaborations with ReFAB Studio to continue inspiring communities through sustainable fashion.
Celebrating a Legendary Industry Mentor
Fashion-Enter Ltd CEO Jenny Holloway is featured in the newly released biography David Jones, The Man Behind the Seams: A Life in British Fashion, Leadership and Legacy, reflecting on the remarkable influence David has had on both her own career and the wider UK fashion industry. Jenny worked alongside David for six years at the government-funded London Fashion Forum, where his vision and leadership helped shape countless fashion businesses. It was during this time that FashionCapital was born, making this story especially significant to our own journey. As Jenny recalls in the book: “David was monumental. He was the strategist. What made him different was his deep knowledge of the industry and psychological understanding of people.”
The book celebrates David’s extraordinary legacy as a mentor, strategist and champion of British fashion, while charting the evolution of the industry over several decades. For everyone connected with FashionCapital, it is also a reminder of the invaluable guidance and friendship David has shared over the years, helping lay the foundations for the platform we continue to build today. We congratulate David and author Camelle Ilona Carter on this insightful book, that is not only a biography but a deep dive into successful business practice, growth and leadership.
David Jones, The Man Behind the Seams: A Life in British Fashion, Leadership and Legacy, written by Camelle Ilona Carter is available on Amazon.co.uk
FEL CEO Announced As A Fashion 4.0 NED
Fashion 4.0 is the home of UK innovation in fashion technology, supporting disruptive founders and change makers scale and grow through access to investment, clients and world-leading talent. Rooted in collaboration, sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, Fashion 4.0 members are part of a dynamic network committed to empowering the next generation of fashion through creativity, technology, and responsible industry practices to act as a catalyst for change and value creation in the UK and abroad.
Fashion 4.0 are honoured to welcome FEL CEO Jenny Holloway as a NED, bringing her impressive CV and extensive experience in fashion manufacturing to guide future generations of fashion innovators.
Jenny commented: “I recently met Nicolas whilst partnering with Zerotec on an Innovate UK bid. I come across a plethora of great ideas but, in my book, it’s the people that count! Nicolas’s drive and passion with an absolute commitment to sustainability is outstanding and when he explained what Fashion 4.0 is how could I say no! This is the future for our glorious industry! Looking forward to working with the consortium on real sustainable solutions for fashion today.”
Job Vacancy: Knitwear Linking Machine Operators – Leicester
Luxe Knitting Limited is looking to recruit two Knitwear Linking Machine Operators to join its specialist knitwear manufacturing team in Leicester. This full-time, permanent opportunity is ideal for experienced linking machine operators who take pride in producing high-quality garments and working to excellent standards. The roles offer National Minimum/Living Wage rates, performance bonuses, ongoing training and a supportive working environment. If you’re interested please tap here for all the details and contact: divya@fashion-enter.com
FTA Quality Report Highlights Another Successful Year
The Fashion Technology Academy‘s 2025/26 Interim Quality Report highlights another year of strong learner success and continuous improvement. Despite reduced funding and smaller class sizes, FTA achieved an impressive 98.81% learner retention rate, up 2% on last year. Learner satisfaction also remains exceptionally high, with 98% rating their induction as Outstanding.
The report also highlights strong progression, with 91% of adult learners moving into employment, further education or higher education, while continued investment in teaching quality, governance and inclusive learning has strengthened the learner experience.
Following its Ofsted inspection, FTA has introduced enhanced quality assurance, expanded CPD for tutors and strengthened its Board with new Non-Executive Directors. The Academy continues to grow employer partnerships, deliver successful Skills Bootcamps and develop new industry-focused programmes.
CEO Jenny Holloway said: “I am delighted to see the Interim Quality Report from our head of department Lan Leeder who has worked with the tutors on an amazing CPPD programme. We are delighted to have Kurt Hines, as a NED advisor for our Fashion Technology Academy and he’s been brilliant! We now have a new quality assurance monitoring system which has been highlighted. I’m particularly proud of the work we’ve done in SEND provision which has included interaction with SEND schools, reviewing how we monitor the progress of SEND, eliminating internal and external barriers to learning and really focusing on the needs of our learners. We’re very proud with the results thank you to everybody’s involvement.”
Exam Results Day Coming Up: What Next?
With GCSE Results Day just around the corner, many young people will be considering their next steps. If you’re passionate about fashion, art and design, the UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Creative Practice at Fashion Technology Academy’s Islington campus offers the perfect opportunity to turn your creativity into a career. Delivered from the vibrant FC Designer Workspace, the course provides an inspiring environment where students develop practical skills, build an impressive portfolio and explore a wide range of creative disciplines, from fashion and graphic design to photography, illustration and digital media. Designed by the University of the Arts London Awarding Body, the qualification provides a strong pathway to higher education, apprenticeships or employment within the creative industries.
To find out more about this Level 3 1-year course tap here
September Short Courses Now Listed
The FTA has released a new programme of one to three-day short courses throughout September / October. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to build on existing skills, there’s something for everyone, including: Pattern Cutting, Industrial Sewing, Garment Making, Upcycling, alongside our free Repair Drop-In Sessions. Places are limited, so book early to secure your place and gain practical, industry-led skills in a supportive learning environment.
Tap here to view all the courses.
Courses and Workshops
Roll-on courses:
Available at all campuses Islington, Haringey and Leicester.
UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Creative Practice
1 & 2 Day Workshops / Courses
11th Aug – Free Repair & Upcycling Drop In Session – FC Designer Collective shop – Free please register
25th Aug – Free Repair & Upcycling Drop In Session – FC Designer Collective shop – Free please register
1st & 2nd Sept – 2-Day Introduction to Industrial Sewing and Garment Making Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £80 + eventbrite fee
1st & 2nd Sept – 2-Day Beginners Pattern Cutting Workshop – FTA Haringey Crusader Estate – £80 + eventbrite fee
For all course enquiries contact: education@fashion-enter.com or call 0208 809 3311
This Week On FashionCapital…
And Finally…FTA Supports The ‘Hard Hat Revolution’ & Vocational Pathways
The Government’s renewed commitment to vocational education, alongside the launch of Enginuity’s first Vocational Celebration Day on 6th August, highlights the growing recognition that technical skills are essential to the UK’s future workforce.
At the Fashion Technology Academy, we’re proud to play our part by delivering industry-focused training and apprenticeships that equip learners with the practical skills employers need. From entry-level sewing and garment manufacturing courses through to specialist apprenticeships in fashion and textiles, our programmes provide clear pathways into employment and career progression.
Working closely with employers across the sector, we continue to develop the next generation of skilled machinists, garment technologists and manufacturing professionals, helping address the industry’s skills gap while creating opportunities for learners of all ages.
Visit our apprenticeships page here, or if you are an employer looking to hire an apprentice please contact Lan: lan@fashion-enter.com
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital / Fashion-Enter Ltd
