Tailoring Academy Launch Triumph
18-11-2019
On Thursday 14th November 2019 Fashion-Enter ltd, with funding and support from the Mayor of London’s ‘Good Growth Fund’ and Haringey Council, officially launched London’s very own Tailoring Academy.
The fully equipped 11,500 square foot space greeted over 140 guests with welcome drinks and canapés along with the chance to experience various live demonstrations and interactive sessions.
Nick Beighton, CEO of ASOS.com, was first up as guest speaker followed by Debbie Jackson, Interim Executive Director of Development, Enterprise and Environment at the Greater London Authority, Jenny Holloway – CEO of Fashion-Enter ltd & The Tailoring Academy, Denise Watson, Former Fashion Technology Academy learner and Marquel Williams, Former Fashion Technology Academy learner and apprentice.
Nick Beighton, ASOS.com CEO said: “ASOS has long been a supporter of ‘made in the UK’ brands. In 2008, ASOS provided Fashion-Enter with funding for their Stitching Academy and then further funding for the Fashion Technology Academy in 2015. We are delighted now to see that the success of high level technical training has continued to extend to the new Tailoring Academy which will act as a hub linking local talent to experts, specialist training, professional development courses, equipment and opportunities. ASOS is very proud to be part of this innovation.”
Jenny Holloway added: “It’s time to train a future generation of tailors! A big thank-you to ASOS for their support and guidance for the past 10-years. Also a huge thank-you to our amazing student speakers Denise Watson and Marquel Williams. This Academy would not have been possible without funding from the ‘Good Growth Fund’ and Haringey Council. Additional funding and support has been generously provided by Clothworkers’ Foundation, Optitex EFI, Vetigraph, Gerber Technologies, Eastman Staples, K Sewing, Rupitex Fabrics, Marcos Trimmings and Telestia. Also a big thank-you Jan Kattein Architects – the space really does look fantastic.
“The launch is a true celebration of how public and private investment can work. So many thank-you’s to so many people, however I have to say to the FEL team “You are truly Awesome!” How lucky are we to have some an amazing team! It has been an amazing launch!”
The Tailoring Academy will create 50 jobs – with the potential for more than 500 more – and almost 750 apprenticeships, including with the world-renowned Savile Row Bespoke Association. It will also link local talent to experts, specialist training, professional development courses, equipment and opportunities.
Located on the Crusader Estate in Tottenham, it is an 11,500 square foot, fully equipped space with the latest tailoring machinery. It is part of a cluster of academic institutions and businesses working together as part of North East London’s Fashion District, and will complement forthcoming spaces at Monier Road at Fish Island, Hackney Wick and Poplar Works, to deliver skills, affordable workspace, access to finance and innovation programmes to grow a more inclusive and sustainable fashion sector in London.
Jocelyn Stuart-Grumbar fromthe Clothworkers’ Company commented after the launch: “Thank-you so much for a really inspiring evening in the most amazing company and surroundings. All four speakers were so powerful. I was delighted to see how the whole thing has taken shape. What a great environment to work in! I even had a go on the pocket welting machine!
“Many congratulations and the very best of luck with your brilliant endeavour to replenish the pool of talent and skills in the UK. Many people will have been involved in getting everything to this state of readiness and in organising the event. Do please pass on my appreciation. Clothworkers’ are delighted to be a minute part of something so exciting.”
Skills programme N17 Creative Callings was also introduced at the event. Fashion-Enter was chosen by City Hall to deliver the project, which is funded by the European Social Fund and the Mayor of London. The programme will offer business support to boost creative industries in Tottenham’s Creative Enterprise Zone, supporting 130 creative workers – at least 65 of whom will be women – to improve their career prospects, and 38 SMEs will provide work placements and opportunities.
Creative industries are now Tottenham’s fastest growing sector, experiencing growth of 127% over the last five years and accounting for 4,400 jobs and 660 businesses. If these growth rates continue, it is estimated that 300 new creative jobs could be created each year.
Dan Hawthorn, Director of Housing, Regeneration and Planning at Haringey Council, said: “Haringey has been supporting Fashion-Enter since 2013 and I am absolutely thrilled that they are now launching such a prestigious academy right here in our borough. This academy will provide jobs for local people, boost our local economy and support many of our residents to fulfil their potential and achieve their dreams. We are excited that Haringey and Fashion-Enter will be home to London’s next generation of fashion talent.”
To find out more about the Tailoring Academy and its courses please click here.
