Working Together: For the Benefit of the UK Fashion Sector
19-08-2026
Newsletter 19th August 2026
Meeting To Work As One
(Jenny with David Lammy visiting the FEL Factory in Nov 2025)
We are delighted to confirm that there is a meeting arranged for national fashion and textiles support organisations on 16th September 2026.
Arranged by Rt Hon David Lammy MP for Tottenham, the 2 hour meeting at Portcullis House in Westminster is to amplify the voice of the industry in support of public procurement contracts for the SME factories of the UK.
Thanks to funding from the Garment and Textile Workers Trust considerable progress has been made in this area with:
– An economic modelling report from Alix Coombs – Fashion Roundtable
– A new website will go live in September In Factories We Trust by Fashion-Enter Ltd
– The Apparel & Textile Manufacturers Federation has created a bidding consortium to enable contracts to be awarded
This meeting will include key note speakers from the industry and government departments to review the current status for Frameworks and Dynamic Purchase Orders.
The meeting has been coordinated by Adam Mansell CEO of UKFT and Jenny Holloway but it’s for every organisation to have voice that’s been working and campaigning in this area.
For further information email beth@fashion-enter.com
In Factories We Trust Featured In ASBCI’s – In Association Magazine
FEL CEO and ATMF Chair Jenny Holloway features in the August 2026 edition of ASBCI’s In Association magazine, with her latest 4-page article, In Factories We Trust.
Launching next month, the new initiative brings together ATMF, Fashion-Enter, Fashion Roundtable, De Montfort University and SP&KO, with support from the Garment and Textile Workers Trust. The platform will give brands, retailers and public procurement bodies greater visibility of UK factories, while enabling manufacturers to demonstrate their standards, capabilities and commitment to continuous improvement.
Developed through the Leicester Forward project, the initiative includes structured ethical compliance assessments and a controlled verified reviews system, helping to build greater transparency, evidence and confidence across the sector.
As Jenny says: “We know the strengths and viability of making in the UK. What we must now ensure is that brands, public procurement contracts and government can clearly see that Making in the UK is a profitable, viable option for the future.”
Read Jenny’s full article in ASBCI’s August 2026 In Association magazine
FTA Celebrates 100% Success Rate in Apprenticeships
FEL’s Fashion Technology Academy (FTA) is celebrating its best-ever apprenticeship results, achieving a 100% success rate for 2025/26 across achievement, retention and pass rates.
With more than 15 years’ experience delivering industry-led training, FTA supports businesses and individuals to develop essential fashion and textile skills, from Level 2 Sewing Machinist to Level 4 Fashion & Textiles Product Technologist.
New Apprenticeship Opportunities at FEL
FEL is currently recruiting for two Level 2 Sewing Machinist Apprentices at its award-winning factory in Haringey, North London.
This is an ideal opportunity for someone looking to start a career in fashion manufacturing, combining structured training with hands-on experience in a live factory environment. No previous machining experience required just enthusiasm, reliability and a willingness to learn.
To find out more visit: Level 2 Sewing Machinist Apprenticeship at FEL
For enquiries and applications: education@fashion-capital.co.uk
Beyond GCSEs: Don’t Underestimate A Practical Skill Pathway
With GCSE results day tomorrow, Thursday 20th August, many young individuals will be considering their next steps. For those interested in fashion, there is more to the industry than becoming a designer and practical skills can provide a valuable route into the sector.
From pattern cutting, garment technology and industrial sewing to tailoring, production, quality control and Style3D, fashion relies on skilled technical professionals who turn creative ideas into real garments.
The story of Alexander McQueen is a great example. Leaving school at 16, he began his career through tailoring training on Savile Row, developing the technical understanding of cut, fabric and construction that later became central to his creative work.
The FTA offers specialist training in areas including pattern cutting, stitching, tailoring, production and digital fashion technology, alongside practical workshops for those wanting to try a skill before committing to a longer course.
Explore FTA fashion and textile courses apprenticeships and 1 & 2 Day Workshops
Meet The Wool Alchemist: FC Designer Workspace Resident Clara Pinto
We’re pleased to spotlight Clara Pinto, an Argentinian-born, London-based designer and resident at FC Designer Workspace, whose practice places wool and textile innovation at the heart of contemporary fashion.
Founded in 2019, Clara’s studio explores the creative possibilities of wool through techniques including nuno felting, 3D felting and structural draping, creating sculptural garments and surfaces that challenge traditional ideas of what wool can be.
Inspired by her family’s rich craft heritage and working closely with wool specialists in Argentina, Clara takes a research-led approach to design, connecting traditional craftsmanship with experimental fashion.
Her work has been showcased at London, Milan and Buenos Aires Fashion Weeks, as well as through a residency at Sarabande, the Alexander McQueen Foundation.
Read more about Clara’s work here
Looking For a Fully Equipped Space to Create?
FEL in Haringey and FC Designer Workspace in Islington both have affordable hot-desking spaces available, with fully equipped studios, industrial sewing machines, pattern-cutting tables and everything you need to start experimenting and making garments.
Whether you’re a new designer testing an idea, a fashion graduate developing a collection or simply ready to get hands-on with your creativity, you can book a session and see what happens when an idea becomes something tangible.
Email Hawi to book in: hawi@fashion-enter.com
Courses & Workshops
Roll-on courses:
FTA campuses are located in Islington, Haringey and Leicester.
1 to 4 Day Workshops:
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
7th Sept – 1-Day Beginners Upcycle Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £50
7th – 9th Sept – 3-Day Beginners Pattern Cutting Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £120
14th – 17th Sept – 4-Day Shirt Making Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £150
For all course enquiries contact: education@fashion-enter.com or call 0208 809 3311
This Week On FashionCapital…
And Finally…Join Us at Islington Sustainability Fair Next Monday
FEL will be present at the Islington Sustainability Fair on Monday 24th August, 2pm–5pm at Islington Assembly Hall. Come along and visit our stand to discover practical sewing skills, including repairing and upcycling garments using leftover and surplus textiles.
Open to all there will also be clothing and electrical repairs, a community clothes swap, bike servicing, crafts, food, music and family-friendly activities – all with a focus on sustainability, creativity and reducing waste. Plus, it’s open to all and free!
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital / Fashion-Enter Ltd
