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FEL at Source Fashion Trade Show in London

20-07-2023   


Members of the FEL team have just got back from exhibiting at Source Fashion at Olympia London (16th – 18th July), a trade show that showcases manufacturers from key sourcing regions around the world. 

FEL CEO, Jenny Holloway joined Angela Gaskill, Head of Sourcing and Buying at NBrown on stage for a live discussion on the importance of collaboration to create circular production and reduce waste. One of the key topics covered was the impact returns has on business and how to reduce this through technology.

Show director Suzanne Ellingham hosted the discussion titled ‘Responsible Sourcing and production: How Technology and partnerships are changing the waste and returns game’.

Angela said: “A huge aspect on seasonality is psychology within the industry; and it needs to change. Having a full end-to-end view of what’s in stock, how you can repurpose, how you can re-market styles is the only way to face these challenges. Every part of what you do can create newness, whether it’s new stock or creating something new from something you’ve already got, it’s how you use this technology to achieve this, and the data is key in this circularity.”

Jenny discussed the importance of honest working relationships between retailers and suppliers. She said: “I think it’s about integrity and honesty. I think manufacturers in the UK can be your absolute best friend but you have to have that level of trust. We’ve been going for 17-years and we pride ourselves on integrity.”

Meanwhile, on the FEL stand the team promoted FEL’s production services, including its innovative micro-factory capabilities along with courses, FC Designer Workspace, Collective and the new Styleverse Innovation Centre due to open later this year.

FEL Development Coordinator Georgia Fletcher (pictured above being filmed) said:

“Having a stand at Source Fashion was great fun and a huge success. 

“People were shocked and delighted to see that we were the only UK garment manufacturer at the show and that we offer affordable workspace, free courses and printing.

There was fantastic feedback from visitors that watched FEL CEO, Jenny Holloway join Angela Gaskill, Head of Sourcing and Buying at NBrown on stage for a live discussion on the importance of collaboration to create circular production and reduce waste.

Visitors were very keen to understand how a UK ethical factory works and also happy to hear that our in-house sustainable printing machine has no moq’s.

There were a variety of well established brands and start-up brands who were either looking to move their current outsourced production to the UK or looking for hands-on support throughout the sampling process.

We’re excited to visit again next year.”

Tap here to view a short YouTube video from the NBrown X FEL discussion at Source London.




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