FEL CEO Attends Mayor of London’s Annual Business Reception at Olympia

Fashion-Enter Ltd (FEL) CEO and Apparel & Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF) Chair Jenny Holloway was invited to attend the Mayor of London’s Annual Business Reception, bringing together business leaders, entrepreneurs and key stakeholders from across the capital.

Taking place Tuesday 8th September 2026, at the newly opened Bar Arriba at Olympia London, the reception focused on London’s continuing role as a global centre for enterprise, investment and creativity. Hosted by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan alongside Deputy Mayor for Business Howard Dawber, the event provided an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of London’s business community while looking ahead to the opportunities and challenges facing the capital.

A key theme of the evening was London’s longstanding spirit of entrepreneurship and the contribution that businesses of every size make to the capital’s economic strength. For Jenny, whose work spans fashion manufacturing, skills, apprenticeships and the development of a stronger UK-made supply chain, the event provided an important opportunity to connect the wider business agenda with the challenges and opportunities facing the fashion and textile sector.

The Mayor reaffirmed his commitment to supporting businesses across London, stressing the importance of a thriving capital to the economic prosperity of the wider UK. The message was particularly relevant to the fashion industry, where independent businesses, manufacturers, designers, retailers and creative enterprises collectively contribute to London’s reputation as one of the world’s leading creative capitals.

Among the achievements highlighted was the substantial growth in the number of employers paying the London Living Wage. According to City Hall, the number of accredited London Living Wage employers has increased sevenfold since 2016, to more than 4,300, while the London Living Wage itself has risen significantly. City Hall says the initiative has put more than £1 billion into the pockets of working Londoners. The Mayor has also highlighted the creation of more than 800,000 new jobs during his time in office, alongside significant investment in skills and training.

The choice of venue was itself a powerful demonstration of the scale of investment taking place across the capital. Olympia London is undergoing a £1.3 billion transformation, creating a major new destination combining entertainment, hospitality, culture, retail and business. The latest phase opened in June 2026, with new rooftop restaurants and bars, a live music venue and further developments planned. Bar Arriba, where the reception was held, forms part of the new rooftop destination at Kensington Olympia. The Mexican-inspired venue opened in June as part of the redevelopment, offering food, cocktails and outdoor space overlooking West London. The £1.3 billion Olympia transformation is a striking example of how major investment can reposition an established London landmark for a new generation, while retaining its connection with the capital’s long history of exhibitions, business and culture.

The Mayor also highlighted the importance of London’s international reputation and the investment that supports the capital’s creative and cultural economy. From London Tech Week and the London Film Festival to Notting Hill Carnival, New Year’s Eve celebrations and the capital’s world-renowned fashion industry, London’s events and creative sectors play an important role in attracting visitors, investment, talent and international attention.

For the fashion industry in particular, London’s strength lies in the relationship between creativity and commerce. Designers, manufacturers, educators, retailers and emerging businesses all contribute to an industry that has helped establish the capital as a global fashion centre. This makes investment in London’s wider infrastructure and creative economy highly relevant to the future of British fashion.

Another important message from the reception was the need for collaboration between the private sector, government and local communities. With businesses facing continued pressures around costs, skills, investment and access to markets, closer collaboration will be essential to unlocking sustainable growth. This is an area that closely aligns with Jenny Holloway’s work through FEL and the ATMF, particularly around the development of UK manufacturing, apprenticeships, employment and the creation of sustainable career pathways into the fashion and textile industries. The future success of the sector depends not only on designers and brands, but also on the manufacturers, machinists, pattern cutters, technicians, educators and young people who form the backbone of the UK fashion supply chain.

Events such as the Mayor’s Annual Business Reception provide an important platform for representatives from different sectors to share ideas, build relationships and consider how business and government can work together to create a stronger and more inclusive economy.