FashionCapital Newsletter

Happy 3rd FTA!

Can you believe it was three years ago that we started the Fashion Technology Academy! Since setting up The Factory in 2010 we soon realised how vast the skills shortage in production was which led to the development of the Stitching Academy followed by Fashion Technology Academy. Next we have the Tailoring Academy due to open early next year to ensure ongoing training for the next generation of skilled production workers.

Click here to view how we work with ASOS.com

Thank-You Donegal

Last week our CEO Jenny Holloway was invited to speak to Donegal’s female entrepreneurs at a National Women’s Enterprise Day business event. Jenny spoke about having the grit and determination to succeed in business and advised that “failure does occur but you brush yourself down and start again!”

Jenny comments: “Thank you to the Donegal Local Enterprise office for inviting me to speak. I met some truly inspirational women; both speakers and attendees! So many people I talked to were about to make that brave step into launching their own brands – yes, you can do it!  It may not always be easy but certainly the majority of the people in that room have the skills to succeed!” 

An ongoing collaborative project with Donegal businesses will be announced soon.

Read more about the event here.

Are You Shark Tank Ready?

We are delighted to announce a new FashionCapital mentor for our popular in-house masterclasses – Dean Craven. The objective of these masterclasses is to understand the fundamentals of business and figures!  We know creatives love figures (not) however it’s essential to ensure that the cost prices are right; that you understand direct v indirect costs, cost of goods made, net profit and gross profit and how to ensure you pay for yourself too! ‘Failing to plan is planning to fail’! Dean’s first Masterclass will take place next February – click here to read all about him.

Discounted Fabric for Gumley House School

There’s no doubt that education and skills are the way forward and we recently provided Gumley House School with discounted fabric for a Subtraction Pattern Cutting workshop the A-Level Art & Design students have been working on. Check out some of the results…don’t they look amazing!

How To Be More Confident With Eric Gilston

Last week Life Coach & Motivational Speaker Eric Gilston returned to FC HQ to deliver another uplifting and inspirational talk to our current cohort of learners.

Feedback included:

‘I have learnt to be firm and assertive with positivity. Excellent points made to be an achiever!’ Olaboye

‘I know now how to approach different situations in life.’ Sharon

‘How to be more confident using the 15 top tips – Brilliant.’ Sandra

We look forward to Eric’s next motivational masterclass.

ARK Putney Academy Students Pay Us a Visit

Today Year 10 & 11 ARK Putney Academy students visited the Factory to learn all about the production process and the various career options, courses and apprenticeships available.

Look After Your Staff and They Will Look After You

Masterclasses Coming Soon

TR Pattern Cutting Taster Masterclass with Claudette Joseph
How to Build A Successful Brand with Caren Downie