A New Era of On – Shore Garment Manufacturing
17-11-2021
Newsletter 17th November 2021
FCFTA Leicester Official Opening
With our first cohort of learners on site we are preparing for the Official Opening of the FCFTA (Leicester). Taking place on 30th November Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby will opening the proceedings with Cllr Adam Clarke followed by guest speeches from Nick Beighton and Simon Platts (ASOS). The FCFTA (Leicester) team are thrilled to showcase the state-of-the-art facility and lead on the exciting ways forward to support the glorious Leicester manufacturing industry.
Nick Beighton said: “In October 2017 I attended a meeting with the Leicester Council and a host of other retailers and stakeholders who were involved in the manufacturing industry. I vowed then to review how to effectively support the skilled garment makers of Leicester and I am now delighted that the Fashion Technology Academy is open for training, upskilling and development for the workers and factories.
“I have long been a supporter of proximity production; speed of response manufacturing with local ethical factories. The £300k funding from the council is very much appreciated and I am sure is the start of a new era for garment manufacturing in Leicester.”
Shop Local Designers at the Fonthill Road Christmas Market
This Christmas the Fashion-Enter Ltd team are thrilled to be involved with an Islington Council community project that supports local, small businesses and creatives.
The Fonthill Road Christmas Market will take place on Saturday 4th December from 11am – 6pm. The Market will comprise of stalls selling fashion, jewellery, gifts, ceramics and more, with a strong emphasis on products that are handmade and unique. Alongside the stalls there will also be free family-friendly activities, music, crafts and seasonal refreshments, as well as a Christmas Light switch on by the Mayor of Islington at 4.30pm.
PPE Workwear Repair Training Course
We are working with the Textile Service Association (TSA) to provide the first ever PPE workwear repair training course on the 25th and 26th Jan 2022.
Shyju Skariah joined Richard Rigg of Thermopatch UK (here with Jenny Holloway and Caroline Ash) installing the new heat-sealing machine to be used for the training.
Fashion-Enter CEO Jenny Holloway comments: “Next year the FTA is adding PPE Repairs to their course schedule. In these times of sustainability we are delighted to be working with the TSA and Thermopatch UK to create a three day course for laundry services on repairs. Thank-you TSA for the confidence in Fashion-Enter it’s great to be working with you.”
To find out more about this training visit: https://lnkd.in/d-WWNXf
PPE Production UK News
For the latest on PPE production in the UK read this insightful report by
Made Here Now founder and reporter Peter Marsh: Tussle for contracts separates winners and losers.
Learners Enrichment Session with Tricia Blake
On Monday 15th November the current cohort of learners and apprentices at the FTA London were treated to an enrichment masterclass from guest speaker Tricia Blake. Tricia is the owner and founder of Diva Choice, a women’s brand specialising in statement jewellery, swimwear, lingerie and accessories, her products are stocked at the FC Designer Collective and she has a studio at the FC Designer Workspace. She openly discussed the influences that inspired and drove her to set up Diva Choice, the challenges she has faced and successes she has achieved in life and in the development of her business.
Tricia commented: “Thanks for asking me to do the presentation, I was nervous but really got into it and loved the experience, Louis and the students were lovely which helped me along. Thanks again for the opportunity and your faith in me it means the world.”
CEO of Fashion-Enter Ltd Jenny Holloway added: “We had an Ofsted inspection recently and I was surprised how well our enrichment seminars were received. We don’t call them ‘enrichment’ we call them masterclasses and we invite every single learner to come and experience the words and wisdom of designers in the fashion industry today.”
Safeguarding Adults Week
The theme for this year’s #safeguardingadultsweek is ‘Creating Safer Cultures’. Our CEO Jenny Holloway comments: “We have 12 different nationalities working in our factory and everyone is precious and unique, everyone has the right to have their voice heard and feel safe being themselves. Both in manufacturing and education we aim to have an environment that is open and informed. If there are problems then we are here; nothing is insurmountable.”
Read about our recent Safeguarding and Prevent Training with our apprentices.
Studio Space & Production Equipment to Rent
Did you know we offer the only space in London where you can rent out industrial machines with pattern cutting tables and mannequins for your use? Additionally it’s located in the UK’s first fashion forward factory.
In this space you can:
- Use industrial machines and pattern cutting tables
- Develop and make your collections
- Learn how to use an industrial machine
- Work in peace and quiet
- Rent by hour, day or week
Prices range from £5 per hour, £30 a day or £100 a week, but until the end of January you can enjoy 10% off your first payment to celebrate reopening.
To enquire or book please email jenni@fashion-enter.com
Jobs and Apprenticeships
We have a variety of jobs and apprenticeships available please click here for the latest posts.
We are currently looking for a Receptionist / Administrator for the FTA London tap here for all the details and who to contact to apply.
Factory Tours & Visits
It has been wonderful to have our doors open to so many visitors and students at the Factory this past week. We had students from the Fashion Retail Academy, London College of Fashion and University of Westminster experiencing the factory floor and the fashion manufacturing process. Feedback from the students has been brilliant here is a comment from Olivia: “This seminar was so interesting and great to see a clean, nice, fair factory with happy workers. Thank-you.”
Tap here for more on Factory Tours.
Staff News…
Happy Birthday Ana! Stitching tutor Ana was well and truly spoilt by her students this week, she said: “I love my job as a stitching tutor and felt so grateful when my students kindly gave me all these presents for my birthday! I was so surprised by their generosity and kindness. Thank-you everyone.”
Masterclasses, Courses & Events
On-going short courses in Stitching and Pattern Cutting available – to find out more visit our FCFTA website or contact education@fashion-enter.com
Free Sewing Masterclasses (Weekly for Islington Residents)
How to Wholesale (Online 18th November)
Fonthill Road Christmas Market 4th December 11am – 6pm. Shop local fashion, crafts, jewellery and food
Discover 5 Key Strategies to Make 2022 Your Best Year Ever! (Free – FC Designer Workspace)
Diva Choice – Cupcakes & Cocktails Shopping Event – FC Designer Collective 18th December
Optitex 3-day Course (18 – 20 January)
Gerber 3-day Course (26 – 28 January)
Fabric Swatch of the Week
We love this dramatic black and white houndstooth print in body contouring scuba, perfect for a structured dress, jacket or top. Available from the FCFabricStudio at £4 per metre.
This Week on FashionCapital
Academics are seeking garment workers in Leicester to take part in a study to understand what can be done to improve their lives and working conditions. Garment workers can take part in the study through a 30-minute anonymous questionnaire tap here to find out more.
And Finally…
The B of London Christmas range is dropping on site any minute now – visit https://theboflondon.com
Until next time, have a great week.
