Pushing the Importance of Social Value for Positive Impact

In a LocalGov.co.uk article on the importance of Social Value Fashion-Enter Ltd has been credited along with Space 4 and Better Space for delivering significant added value to the borough of Islington.

Islington Council developed the pioneering Affordable Workspace Programme to address the challenges of economic disparity in the north London borough. The idea behind the programme is to provide social value importance that includes:

• Jobs: Promoting Local Skills and Employment
• Growth: Supporting Inclusive Growth of Local Businesses
• Social: Supporting Healthier, Safer and more Resilient Communities
• Environment: Helping to achieve Net Zero Carbon and Other Innovation
• Equalities: diversity and inclusion

Fashion-Enter Ltd is an operator for the FC Designer Workspace and FC Designer Collective, providing the area opportunities with quality training, workshops, apprenticeships, business start-up support and sales.

Caroline Wilson, Director of Inclusive Economy and Jobs at London Borough of Islington, commented on the article on Linked In, she said: “Securing the most Social Value we can from Islington Council assets is something that I am passionate about – delivering life-changing impact for our residents and local businesses. Thanks to our operators Outlandish Co-operative, Fashion-Enter Ltd/ FashionCapital and TownSq Islington, along with Guy Battle and Social Value Portal for all of their commitment, guidance and encouragement on the journey!”

The LocalGov.co.uk article states: ‘Despite the pandemic, three affordable workspaces launched between March 2020 and April 2022; Space 4, a tech for good co-working space, Fashion-Enter, a manufacturing space for local people in fashion and garments and Better Space, an incubator for social enterprises and social impact businesses.

‘In that time, these three organisations delivered significant added value to the borough, specifically: 11 jobs for local people; 28 apprenticeships; almost 400 weeks of training; and, nearly 1,000 weeks of work experience placements. In addition, the operators delivered almost 8,000 hours of career support sessions, which alone equates to £554,114 in social value.’

Fashion-Enter Ltd CEO Jenny Holloway added on Linked In: “This is the only programme that we have ever worked on that provides a true circular economy for Islington creatives. To make this programme really work it’s much more than being a landlord; it’s about creating real business and learning opportunities to all that work.

“Yesterday (25th Jan 23) we held a 10 Steps to Building your Brand masterclass and we had three guest speakers from SilkFred.com – how amazing is that for the designers and the learners.

“SilkFred.com provided prime data on what sells and why; what are the best selling colours, peak consumer buying times et al.

“I know the other operators work equally as hard and creatively and there’s a real passion to succeed in the borough.

“Islington Council has been very supportive and visionary converting a derelict underground car park into a high spec studio complete with industrial machines. Local residents also have the opportunity to sell in a retail collective on the iconic Fonthill Road.

“Amazing – I don’t think there is another project in the country like this! Sincere thanks to Caroline Wilson, Joyce and Ayodele Daodu CMILT.”

For further info contact: beth@fashion-enter.com 

Tap here to read the LocalGov.co.uk article: Can Social Value Provide More Positive Impact Than Commercial Value?