UKFT Highlight FEL CEO Jenny Holloway This International Women’s Day

To celebrate International Women’s Day (8th March) the UKFT has highlighted eight women making a difference within the fashion and textile industry. One of which, is our very own CEO, Jenny Holloway.

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. 

IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere.

The UKFT, is the largest network for fashion and textiles in the UK and this week, in the lead up to IWD, the UKFT website has featured key women providing education, skills and opportunities in the sector. From Jacqueline Farrell, Education Director at The King’s Foundation to Virginia Grose, Head of Westminster School of Arts at the University of Westminster.

With regards to Jenny the piece on UKFT.org read…

‘This International Women’s Day, we’d like to celebrate Jenny Holloway, CEO and Founder of Fashion-Enter Ltd and the Fashion Technology Academy, for her work revolutionising vocational training in fashion and textiles in partnership with UKFT and SEG Awards, developing industry-relevant Level 1 and 2 certifications in stitching, pattern making, machine maintenance and more.

‘Jenny Holloway has worked closely with John West, Director of Skills at UKFT, since the incorporation of the first Fashion Technology Academy in 2010 based in Haringey.

‘Jenny said: “When we first opened in Haringey I remember being incredibly disappointed by the offer of vocational skills for garment making. The qualifications were just not for purpose. Then I met John!”

‘During a three-year period Jenny and John then created new Level 1 and 2 awards and certificates in a host of sector specific qualifications that covered stitching, pattern making, machine maintenance, cutting and more.

‘Fast forward 15-years and today these qualifications are the main stay of their academies which have now expanded to Leicester, Islington and Newtown in Wales where they partner with Newtown College. The Haringey Head Office is still going strong.

Jenny said: “The major expansion of our skills-based academies prove how important vocational skills are today. Thousands of people have undertaken our courses creating new jobs and the creation of new  brands in fashion today. Without that initial help from John and the Skills Education Group (Awarding Body) none of this would  have been possible.”    

Thank you UKFT and Happy International Women’s Day! 

#IWD2025 #AccelerateAction