Next Stop: Manchester
30-09-2026
Newsletter 30th September 2026
Save The Date For Made in Manchester & Regions
Announced on National Manufacturing Day, Source Fashion, Fashion-Enter Ltd and the ATMF is bringing the industry together for Made in Manchester & Regions. Taking place Wednesday 4th November, the day-long event will spotlight the capabilities of British manufacturing and ask a crucial question: what will it take to make UK production work commercially for more brands and retailers?
Expect practical discussion around localised sourcing, supply-chain resilience, costs, capacity, skills, public procurement and the opportunities for manufacturers to compete through speed, flexibility, quality and sustainability.
It’s also a chance to meet manufacturers from across the UK, make new connections and be part of a growing industry conversation around the future of British production.
Made in Manchester & Regions is the first stop on Leicester Made & Regions Roadshow with more UK dates to follow in 2027.
Made in Manchester & Regions will take place at Manchester Hall tap here to find out more and book your free place.
The up and coming Manchester Made & Regions has already featured in:
BBC Politics East Midlands to Film at FTA Leicester
Tomorrow, 1st October, we’re delighted to share that BBC Politics East Midlands will be visiting the Fashion Technology Academy in Leicester to film and showcase the work we’re doing with our students.
The filming will highlight our learners, their experiences and the opportunities being created through FTA’s work in Leicester.
We understand that Shockat Adam MP is supporting the initiative, helping to shine a light on the importance of skills, education and opportunities for young people in the region.
We look forward to welcoming the BBC team and showcasing FTA Leicester and our fantastic students.
Welcome To New Apprentices
Mohammed has just started his Level 4 Fashion & Textiles Product Technologist Standard apprenticeship with The T-Shirt Factory and FTA Leicester.
Jenny commented: “I met Mohammed yesterday on site and with his HR Manager Khoush, we went through in depth all the paperwork including Skills Scan, Initial IAG, ILP, on and off training hours, complaints procedure, how progress reviews are conducted and really discussed the importance of achieve, belong and thrive. A huge welcome to both the apprentice and employer, really looking forward to the next 22 months of practical GLH.”
Also just starting is Eloise, she has been recruited for the Level 2 Sewing Machinist Standard with Evac+Chair Intermational Ltd.
The FTA is currently working with 3 other SME’s looking to recruit 15 more apprentices in the near future. More on this in the coming weeks.
Pink Threads #2 – Leicester
On Monday 28th September, FEL Leicester hosted its second free Pink Threads community workshop, in collaboration with Breast Cancer Now, bringing women together for an afternoon of breast cancer awareness, wellbeing, creativity and practical bra-making skills.
Participants learned more about breast cancer screening before getting hands-on with bra construction, measurements and pattern cutting — demonstrating how fashion education can be about so much more than making clothes.
The afternoon was filled with learning, creativity, conversation and new connections, with participants describing the workshop as both enjoyable and therapeutic. Feedback from the first two sessions has been incredibly positive, with participants praising the knowledge and skill of the tutors alongside the relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
This was the second of four free Pink Threads workshops, meaning there are still two more opportunities to get involved. Whether you want to learn a new textile skill, understand more about breast cancer screening, or simply spend an afternoon making something useful in great company, Pink Threads offers a welcoming space to learn, create and connect.
The next workshop is Monday 5th October tap here to book your free place.
One Day Only: Denim Masterclass at LaundRe
Want to understand denim beyond the finished garment? LaundRe’s one-day Denim Masterclass brings together leading industry experts for an afternoon exploring the fabric, chemistry and technology behind modern denim.
The session will cover:
- Fabric: fibres, weaving, dyeing, construction, finishing and stretch technology.
- Chemistry: the science behind denim finishes, with a live innovation showcase.
- Laser: a hands-on introduction to laser finishing and creating laser-optimised artwork.
Designed to help industry professionals make better design and commercial decisions, the masterclass offers practical insight into the technologies shaping the future of denim.
29th October, 1 – 5pm, Canning Town, London E16 4ST
LaundRe are offering a 20% discount for bookings made through FashionCapital / Fashion-Enter with code UKDENIM26
Places are limited please contact: jeans@laundre.co.uk to book.
This Friday: Levi’s® Free Clothing Repair Workshop
Calling young people aged 14 – 18! This Friday, Levi’s® and Discovery Education are bringing a hands-on Clothing Repair Workshop to FEL HQ in North London.
Learn practical garment repair skills, explore why extending the life of our clothes matters, and discover how repair and sustainability could open up future career opportunities across the fashion industry.
It’s a chance to get creative, learn genuinely useful skills and meet industry professionals while giving clothing a new lease of life.
Friday 2nd October, 4–7pm at FEL HQ, Haringey
Space is limited, so don’t miss out! Tap here to register
Courses & Workshops
Roll-on courses:
FTA campuses are located in Islington, Haringey and Leicester.
1 to 4 Day Workshops:
2nd October – 1 day Beginners Upcycle Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £50 + eventbrite fee
5th October – Pink Threads: Breast Cancer Awareness & Bra-Making Workshop – FTA Leicester – Free please register
6th October – Free Repair & Upcycling Drop In Session – FC Designer Collective shop – Free please register
6th – 9th October – 4 Day Shirt Making Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £150 + eventbrite fee
8th & 9th October – 2 Day Beginners Pattern Cutting Workshop – Collars & Sleeves Adaptation – FC Designer Workspace – £80 + eventbrite fee
4th November – Manchester Made & Regions – Manchester Hall – Free please register
For all course enquiries contact: education@fashion-enter.com or call 0208 809 3311
This Week On FashionCapital…
London Fashion Week SS27: The Directions To Watch
And Finally…Sustainable Fashion Week
We’re in the midst of Sustainable Fashion Week, but the real challenge is making sure sustainability doesn’t stop when the week ends. From repair cafés and clothes swaps to upcycling workshops and visible mending, Sustainable Fashion Week is putting practical action back into the hands of communities — reminding us that sustainable fashion isn’t just about what we buy, but what we do with the clothes we already own.
At Fashion-Enter, we want to keep that momentum going all year round. Our free community Drop-In Repair and Upcycle workshops give you the opportunity to bring along a garment or household textile that needs some attention and learn how to repair, alter or potentially transform it. Next session: Tuesday 6th October, FC Designer Collective, 113–115 Fonthill Road, London N4
Or, if you’re ready to develop your skills further, join one of our upcycling, stitching or pattern-cutting classes at the FC Designer Workspace. Time to strive to make every week more sustainable!
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital / Fashion-Enter Ltd
