Happy Apprenticeship Week 2022

Newsletter 9th February 2022

Save The Date: 3rd & 4th March 2022! 

Innovation in fashion production starts here! Fashion-Enter Ltd is co-hosting an event with Kornit Digital at the Fashion-Enter HQ in London. Invitees will be able to view the benefits of a full direct to fabric micro factory and be the first to see what the Atlas Max Xdi can offer. Technology provides the perfect partner for manufacturer’s in the UK today in terms of speed, cost, efficiency, personalisation, and of course, sustainability.

Leicester Textiles Renewal Project of Business Support

Today (9th February 2022) we have a full house of fashion and textiles manufacturer’s attending a preliminary meeting about the new Community Renewal Fund programme being delivered by Leicester City Council, Fashion-Enter and De Montfort University. 

This programme will provide tailor-made support to each business and will offer advice and expertise on:

• Applying for 5k grants (20 companies)

• A business review with experts

• A review on how to diversify

• A look at innovation to support and develop the business

• Support with compliance – where are you now?

• Advice and support on upskilling staff

• Providing up-to-date qualifications in Workers’ Rights

• Becoming a part of a new website to support Leicester manufacturing

• Advice on safeguarding current jobs

This programme provides an excellent opportunity for Leicester’s manufacturing sector to become an ethical and compliant hub of the UK apparel manufacturing industry. 

More from this exciting initiative in due course.

Working with FABL in Leicester

Yesterday, 8th February, the new Manager of FCFTA (Leicester), Jackie Bertram, along with Jenny Holloway and Caroline Ash, met up with Tarek Islam, Kaenat Issufo and Priya Thamotheram. 

Jackie comments: “As the new manager of FCFTA (Leicester) it was great to meet the team of FABL on my second day of work. FABL offers free advice and support for all fashion, garment and textiles workers in Leicester. Priya, Tarek and Kaenat explained the work they will be undertaking and how we will be working collaboratively together. FABL will be referring people to us who want qualifications in Stitching and Workers Rights while we can refer anyone to them who may need help with DWP services such as housing. Great to have joined-up thinking.” 

Fashion-Enter’s Apprentice of the Year!

Massive congratulations to Carmelle who won our ‘Apprentice of the Year 2022’ award, the trophy was presented by Lord Young (pictured here with Jenny Holloway, Ana Cover and Louis-Christian Pendegrass.) 

Carmelle said: “It has been tremendous working with the team at Fashion-Enter.”

For the latest fashion and textile apprenticeship opportunities tap here.

boohoo Group Gift Their Apprenticeship Levy

To coincide with National Apprenticeship Week 2022 boohoo group have provided the opportunity for individuals to apply for Level 3 and Level 4 fashion & textile apprenticeships through their partnership with us!

The group have gifted £85,000 of their apprenticeship levy to support young people to earn while they learn. They’re passionate about educating the next generation to protect the future of the UK manufacturing sector and the unique skill base required.

Fashion-Enter will provide training and arrange placements for the apprentices on behalf of the boohoo Group, with a focus on candidates from underrepresented communities within the Leicestershire area. 

Applications are now open. To apply, please email: apprenticeship@fashion-enter.com with your CV and a cover letter.

#NAW2022

Silver Rox Now in Production

It has been fantastic to see Gary’s ‘Silver Rox’ Doot Suit being cut ready for full production. Gary put the word out and a pre-order response has enabled him to go ahead with his first order. This has all been possible with the help and support that we have been able to provide via the N17 Creative Callings program.

Gary comments: “There I was in December minding my own business on a fab course learning stitching skills (at FC Designer Workspace) and then I met the two Jenni/y’s and before I know it I’m on the N17 Creative Callings program! 

“I’ve already been mentioned by a journalist for The Times, I have my TikTok video being shared all over the place and I now have half a million followers and this week I’m in production with my fabulous Doot Suit!  It’s been four weeks! A whirlwind! Am lovin’ it!”

Stitching Skills at Fashion-Enter Wales

The first Level 1 stitching course is currently underway at Fashion-Enter Wales. It’s great to see our highly experienced machinists passing on their skills to a new generation. We hope this is just the start of an Academy in Newtown, the birthplace of the Laura Ashley and Pryce-Jones empires!

Learners commented:

Emily Evans: “I am really enjoying the sewing course at Fashion-Enter, it is very interesting to learn new and different things. It has been a great opportunity.”

Amelia Jackson: “Absolutely love it!”

Iona Hills: “It’s been great seeing how a factory is run, learning new skills to work in a factory.”

Kim Price: “I’m really enjoying the course here at Fashion-Enter. It’s teaching me skills I’ve always wanted to learn. As a mum to three little ones and married to a farmer my new skills are going to come in very useful at home!”

Radwan Almasri: “I’m really enjoying the course. I receive the right information and steps for training. Excellent teaching team.”

Mode Collective Charity Fashion Show

Millie Fullalove has organised a charity fashion show that will include a guest speaker from the Fashion-Enter team. Millie explains about the show:

“Celebrating 15 local Leicestershire designers, with a guest speaker from Fashion-Enter, to spread the word about how important local business and skills are to our city. 

“I graduated from DMU in 2017 with a contour fashion degree, and since have worked within our local industry and in 2019 launched my own sustainable fashion brand. As well as working within fashion, I also work through Morrisons as a community champion, supporting local people in our community any way I can. The show is to support local garment workers, either through education, access to the internet or food and other priority items. We will have live music, fashion show and a couple of incredible speakers.”

25th February 2022 – doors open from 7pm tap here for more details

Free Online Masterclass Next Week!

As a part in this year’s Leicestershire Innovation Festival on 16th February from 2pm – 5pm, CEO Jenny Holloway and Production Director Caroline Ash will deliver a free online masterclass on ‘How to Make Your Fashion Business Succeed Today.’  

This three-hour session aims to provide a unique insight into the industry as well as invaluable advice for fashion brands and manufacturers in Leicester. In addition, Fashion-Enter can support with applying for a £5k grant, offer free business advice and help promote your company free of charge to the industry. You will also learn all about the latest Fashion Technology Academy – FCFTA in Leicester, offering qualifications from Level 1 stitching and pattern cutting through to apprenticeships. 

Tap here to book your place. 

Congrats to Eva

Eva (in white, standing next to Petra) finished her Level 2 course this week, so Elouise made her a cake to celebrate! Congratulations Eva, you’ve worked hard and we can’t wait to see what you do next! 

Masterclasses and Courses

Leicestershire Innovation Festival – How to Make Your Fashion Business Succeed Today (16 February – free)

Sustainable Fabric Sourcing (23 February)

Technical Design and Pattern Cutting CAD Course (26 February 12-weekly Saturday classes with online support)

Optitex 2D & 3D 3-Day Course (1 March)

Meet Designer Louisa Parris (17 March – free)

Fabric Swatch of the Week

It’s Valentine’s Day next Monday, so we are feeling red and pink all over! Why not combine the two for a stunning take on these vibrant shades. This hot pink chiffon is perfect for layering over block colours. Available from the FCFabricStudio at £3.50 per metre.  

This Week on FashionCapital…

Influencer marketing – The Face of New York Fashion Week has Changed for Good

And Finally…

Starting this month: Perfect for womenswear designers, graduates, start-ups and established brands, we have an accredited Technical Design & Pattern Cutting CAD course that will teach you how to design your ideas accurately and technically using a combination of hand and computer design tools. This unique course combines in-person and online tuition over 12-weeks. Tap here for more info.

Until next time, have a great week!

The FashionCapital Team