Action Speaks Louder Than Words!
20-09-2025
Newsletter 2nd July 2025
Come and See Us at Source Fashion Next Week
Fashion-Enter Ltd partner – the Apparel & Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF), is proud to announce the participation of seven Leicester-based manufacturers and suppliers at Source Fashion trade event next week.
This exciting showcase marks the start of a strategic partnership between ATMF and Source Fashion, thanks to the support of Source Fashion Director, Suzanne Ellingham. Participating with trade stands the ATMF aim to highlight Leicester’s ongoing role in ethical, transparent, and locally rooted garment production.
Participating manufacturers include:
- AVINCI LTD
- Basic Premier Ltd
- Denovo Apparel
- N V Collections International
- Shahtex (Leicester) Limited
- Who’s Who Ltd
- 23 Foxes Ltd
ATMF members are committed to sustainable production and fair labour practices, aligning closely with Source Fashion’s mission to connect buyers with trusted, transparent manufacturers. As part of its broader mission, ATMF continues to support UK-based manufacturing, job creation, and supply chain accountability. The federation will exhibit alongside Fashion-Enter Ltd, FashionCapital, and the Fashion Technology Academy, all championing skills development and ethical fashion.
Come and visit us at Source Fashion 8th –10th July 2025 at Olympia London.
Introducing TheadChain
The ATMF is additionally proud to announce the soft launch of ThreadChain – a new digital platform created to support and elevate Leicester’s factories, designers, and fashion creatives by opening up direct-to-consumer sales and made-to-order garment production.
Following a recent board meeting, ATMF confirmed its commitment to backing the UK’s garment-making industry with fresh thinking and innovative revenue streams. ThreadChain is the result: a bold new e-commerce hub designed to champion sustainable, ethical, and local manufacturing.
What ThreadChain can do for you:
- Deadstock Marketplace – Enables factories to sell surplus and deadstock garments directly to creatives and consumers, reducing waste and supporting circular fashion practices.
- Made-to-Order Production – A new offering where customers / small brands can design their own garments, which are then produced on demand by a trusted network of local Leicester factories.
Fashion retail leader Fiona Lambert, who has been a champion of the initiative, commented:
“After attending Leicester Made, I’m excited that this could be a turning point for Leicester and UK manufacturing. I visited a great factory on Monday, designed and had a dress sample by Friday—and it could be in production using stock fabrics next week.
“I’m working with ATMF and Fashion-Enter Ltd/FashionCapital to create made-to-order production that supports skills and jobs, and promotes a truly sustainable way of manufacturing.”
Natalie Binns, Better Fashion Consultancy, added: “This is great. Made To Order could be really useful for some of my early stage clients.”
ThreadChain is now live at www.threadchain.co.uk and open to creatives, consumers, and manufacturers ready to participate in shaping the future of fashion.
The Times: Meet Our Regional Stars: Leicester
A big thank you to writer Rupert Neate and Richard Tyler, Editor, Entrepreneurs Network at The Times, for such a positive piece on the incredible businesses emerging in Leicester. Two of which are factories:
Meesha Group (https://meeshagroup.co.uk)
Who’s Who Ltd (http://whoswholtd.com)
Leicester has many more Regional Rising Stars i.e. businesses with a turnover of under £6m that are growing despite all the negative press surrounding the area. Time to turn over a new and proactive leaf.
Tap here to view the full article
(Images courtesy of Entrepreneurs Network at The Times)
Bearing Gifts Launch at HMP Leicester
Last Friday 27th June 2025, FEL team members Jo Bean (pictured above outside HMP Leicester) and Beth Davy-Day attended the official launch of Bearing Gifts at HMP Leicester.
Beth, FEL’s, Creative Director commented: “We are so grateful to be part of this inspiring project. It was incredible to witness the journey from an initial idea to a fully equipped workroom within HMP Leicester. Paddy’s passion and dedication to Bearing Gifts is truly inspiring. We’re looking forward to continuing our work with the inmates—helping them develop their stitching skills and building their confidence as they create the beautiful Bearing Gifts bears.”
Jo Bean, FTA Leicester tutor added: “After meeting Paddy in the workshop it was great to hear the story behind the idea of Bearing Gifts, with each teddy bear having a heart that is detachable to enable anyone who may be leaving loved ones behind so they can share a bear until they are reunited, or they can be gifted to a child in need.”
To find out more about this programme visit: https://bearing-gifts.co.uk/
This Morning’s Zoom Masterclass
A big thank you to Technical and Production Director, Claire Solley for presenting the free, Zoom masterclass this morning on Top 10 Tips to Create a Strong Partnership with Your Manufacturer. Her professional insight covered all the elements a brand needs to know from: What to ask a manufacturer in your initial meeting to what documents you need before you start sampling, plus everything else in-between.
Our monthly masterclass series provides free expert advice from industry-experienced speakers. Next month: Caroline Ash will be discussing: UK V’s Overseas Sourcing on Thursday, 14th of August, 12:30 – 1:30, please register and a Zoom link will be sent to you closer to the date.
Make, Stitch, Create – This Summer in Islington
What are your plans this summer? Why not learn a life-long, practical skill – in just a few days!
Throughout July and August, the FC Designer Workspace in Islington is running a series of summer short courses in:
- Stitching
- Pattern Cutting
- Upcycling
- Garment Making
- Draping
- Corset & Trouser Making
- Saturday Stitching Club – and more!
Ranging from 1 up to 4 day courses for beginners and experienced makers, our industry-trained tutors provide friendly, hands-on guidance tailored to your level.
Whether you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe, reuse old garments, or simply get creative, our courses are affordable, sustainable, and a whole lot of fun.
Spaces are limited – book early to avoid disappointment. Tap here to view all courses for July and August.
Free Stitching Places Available
The FTA Leicester has availability on its next Level 1 Award in Stitching SEG Awards Level 1 – Award in Fashion and Textiles (500/4308/0) – Fashion Technology Academy
Starting Monday 14th July for 5-weeks, this course is free for those residing in the Leicester City area, aged more than 19-years, with proper UK immigration status.
Days can be flexible to cover 20-hours per week (Please discuss with the enrolment team)
If interested contact: fcftaleicester@fashion-enter.com
Roll-on and Short Courses
Roll-on courses:
Available at all campuses Islington, Haringey and Leicester.
Diploma in Fashion Design and Business
Patterns:
8th July – 4-Day Pattern Cutting course – FC Designer Workspace – £150 + eventbrite fee
Stitching:
5th July – Saturday Stitching Club (Beginner friendly) – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
Draping:
26th July & 2nd Aug – Introduction to Draping in 2 Saturday sessions – FC Designer Workspace – £90 + eventbrite fee
Illustration:
12th & 19th July – Introduction to Fashion Illustration in 2 Sessions – FC Designer Workspace – £90 + eventbrite fee
Upcycling:
7th July – 1-Day Upcycling Workshop (Beginner friendly, open to all levels) – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
8th July – Free Repair and Upcycling Drop In – FC Designer Collective shop – Free, please register
Advice and Support:
14th August UK V’s Overseas Sourcing with Caroline Ash, free, 12:30 – 1:30 – please register and a Zoom link will be sent to you closer to the date
For all course enquiries contact: education@fashion-enter.com or call 0208 809 3311
This Week on FashionCapital…
How Can Brands Help Save the World? Find out in this latest book by Bob Sheard
And Finally…
Preparations are underway for a very special evening to celebrate a major milestone for the FC Designer Workspace – the initiative has officially delivered over £1 million in Social Value to the community since the project launched. This amazing achievement smashed the initial ten year target and was achieved in just 4.5 years! The FEL team couldn’t have done it without the incredible support of the resident designers, Islington Council, the Workspace team and wider creative community — now, it’s time to celebrate with a summer party. More on this soon!
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital
