A Big Week for FEL & UK Fashion Manufacturing
16-09-2026
Newsletter 16th September 2026
A Very Proud Moment: The King’s Award Officially Presented to FEL
This week got off to a very special start as Fashion-Enter Ltd officially received The King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development at a presentation ceremony held at our Haringey headquarters on Monday 14th September.
The prestigious award was formally presented by Captain (Ret’d) Peter Baker RD DL RNR, Representative Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Haringey, in front of guests from government, education, industry, business and the wider fashion community. Guests were welcomed by Jenny Holloway before touring our manufacturing facility and Fashion Technology Academy, seeing first-hand how UK manufacturing, education, innovation and social value come together under one roof. Speeches from David Lammy MP and the Worshipful the Mayor of Haringey, Councillor Dawn Barnes, added to what was a hugely positive and memorable occasion for the whole FEL team.
The award recognises almost two decades of work building a more sustainable UK fashion and textile industry through ethical manufacturing, skills development, circular fashion, repair, local employment and community engagement. It is a tremendous honour for everyone at FEL and a moment to celebrate the people, partnerships and belief in UK manufacturing that have made the journey possible.
Read more about the King’s Award presentation
Today in Westminster: Unlocking Public Procurement for UK SME Factories
Today, 16th September, marks an important meeting for the UK fashion and textile industry, taking place at Portcullis House, Westminster. Arranged by Rt Hon David Lammy MP for Tottenham, the two-hour meeting brings together national fashion and textiles support organisations to discuss how we can unlock public procurement opportunities for UK SME factories.
Coordinated by Adam Mansell, CEO of UKFT, and Jenny Holloway, the meeting is an opportunity for organisations working across the sector to come together, amplify our collective voice and look at how public procurement can help strengthen UK manufacturing. For small and medium-sized factories, access to public contracts could play an important role in creating sustainable demand, supporting skilled employment and building greater resilience across the UK supply chain.
Waving the Flag for Made in the UK
It’s been another busy week for UK manufacturing, with Jenny Holloway and Fashion-Enter featuring in a number of stories highlighting the people and businesses working to rebuild garment production here in the UK.
Can British fashion manufacturing make a comeback? asks Jasmin Malik Chua in a feature for MSN, while London brand Early or Late has highlighted Fashion-Enter and the importance of making in London to its business. It’s fantastic to see the conversation around UK manufacturing continuing to grow.
Recycle Week: Repair, Reuse & Rethink
It’s Recycle Week 2026, running from 14th – 20th September, and we’re continuing to put practical circular fashion into action. If you have clothing in need of an upcycle, repair or alteration, our free community drop-in sessions at the FC Designer Collective shop on Fonthill Road offer a chance to give garments a new lease of life.
The next session takes place on Tuesday 22nd September. Thanks to Islington Council, the sessions are free — but places must be registered in advance.
Book to join the next repair & upcycling session
Pink Threads: Fashion, Creativity & Breast Cancer Awareness
Our FEL Leicester team is launching Pink Threads, a new creative workshop programme combining bra design and construction with important conversations around breast cancer awareness.
Supported by a community engagement grant from Breast Cancer Now, the programme will run across four workshops over three months. The first workshop takes place on Monday 21st September at FTA Leicester and is free to attend. With around 59,400 people diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK every year, the team hopes that using bra-making as a creative starting point will open up conversations around breast health and recognising the signs and symptoms of the disease.
Find out more & book your place
Studio Internship Opportunity with Raquel de Carvalho
London-based knitwear designer and FC Designer Workspace resident Raquel de Carvalho is looking for a part-time Studio Intern from September to December 2026.
Based at Raquel’s Islington studio, the placement offers hands-on experience across collection development, pattern cutting, sewing, knitwear, crochet and upcycling. It’s particularly suited to someone studying fashion, knitwear or a related degree who wants to develop practical studio experience.
Applicants should send their CV and portfolio directly to studio@raqueldecarvalho.com
A Little Something Beyond Fashion…
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Courses & Workshops
Our Fashion Technology Academy campuses are located in Islington, Haringey and Leicester, with roll-on courses available in stitching, pattern cutting and tailoring, alongside our programme of practical workshops.
18th Sept – 1 Day Beginners Upcycle Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £50 + eventbrite fee
21st Sept – 1 Day Beginners Pattern Cutting – Copy Your Favourite Garment – FC Designer Workspace – £50 + eventbrite fee
21st Sept – Pink Threads: Breast Cancer Awareness & Bra-Making Workshop – FTA Leicester – Free
22nd Sept – Free Repair & Upcycling Drop In Session – FC Designer Collective shop – Free please register
23rd, 24th, 25th Sept – 3 Day Introduction to Industrial Sewing and Garment Making – FC Designer Workspace – £120 + eventbrite fee
For all course enquiries contact: education@fashion-enter.com or call 0208 809 3311
This Week on FashionCapital…
And Finally… London Fashion Week Begins…
Tomorrow, 17th September, sees London Fashion Week get underway, with the British Fashion Council’s Strategy 2030: Access, Creativity and Growth placing a strong focus on celebrating the breadth of British creativity.
Fashion Britain will bring together designers, cultural institutions, galleries and creative organisations across the UK, with exhibitions, public panels, retail experiences, live performances and cultural activations taking place from Dundee and Newcastle to Liverpool, Manchester, Bristol and London.
Meanwhile, in London, high street stalwart M&S will make its LFW catwalk debut, while McQueen returns with Seán McGirr’s creative direction and Mulberry presents Christopher Kane’s first collection for the house.
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital / Fashion-Enter Ltd
