Wednesday 12th December 2018

Dear all,

There’s no escaping Brexit at the moment as the UK Prime Minister Theresa May faces a vote of no confidence in her leadership later tonight placing considerable risk to the Brexit negotiations. ITN came by the Factory this morning to interview Jenny Holloway and her staff to hear their views on what this could mean for them.

Jenny comments: “The last thing industry needs now is more instability with a leadership vote of no confidence. With 85% of our workforce from Eastern Europe how do they feel? These are true master craftspeople with their stitching, cutting and pattern skills. We need our wonderfully talented team. No one knows if they are coming or going!”

Making sense of the withdrawal agreement between the UK and the EU, the EEF – The Manufacturers’ Organisation for the UK, recently held a meeting with their Employment and Skills Policy Committee, which includes our very own CEO Jenny Holloway, to discuss key issues surrounding migration and what it means for the many EU workers that contribute to the manufacturing sector. To read the full article on migration and Brexit and access the EEF Brexit Toolkit click here.

Our 12 Days of Christmas promotion has officially launched. From today up until Christmas we are offering discounts on fabrics, masterclasses, memberships and Belles of London garments. Today it’s the turn of the Silver Plisse Jumpsuit from the Jenni x Belles of London collection with the offer of 20% off.

Great news from the Belles of London launch the orders have started to come in and it’s fantastic to hear what customers think. Here’s some feedback from Carole B from Rickmansworth, she said: “I just adore the Peacock print. The colours are so vibrant and unique.  I want to support British made garments and I am so impressed with what Belles is all about I am going to the Belles Fab Friday this week. I can’t wait to see exactly who has made my blouse! It’s a new fun way of shopping for me!  Thank-you to all the Belles that made my blouse.” 

Don’t forget Belles Fab Friday is open to all, from 11am – 4pm we will open the factory doors so you can meet the talented team that design, cut and make the Belles garments. We will show you what ethical fashion really means during the tour of our audited factory.

Yesterday, 11^th December, CEO Jenny Holloway attended external moderation training with Kim Dean at the Skills & Education Group in Nottingham. She has now been awarded a Professional Development Certificate of Attendance for Sub-Contractor Training ensuring that the company is up-to-date and on-point with industry skills, education and training.

Today the team welcomed a group of business women from 1230 TWC – an events company that organises monthly business networking combined with a lunch. Today it was the turn of Fashion Enter Ltd, the group were invited to tour the ethical factory, watch Belles of London production and even try their hand at using industrial sewing machines.

 

This morning, 12^th December, Life & Business Coach Eric Gilson was in to deliver his masterclass on ‘Presentation Skills and How to Speak Confidently in Public’. As with all his previous masterclasses Eric had the group captivated and eager to pick up his handy tips and practical advice. We look forward to more masterclass sessions with Eric in the New Year.

 

The position with Mountain Warehouse is still available. We have had lots of interest from graduates for this role but unfortunately to qualify for an apprenticeship applicants need to be over 16-years-old and not in full-time education. Mountain Warehouse have been developing the very best outdoor gear for all the family since 1997 and this position for a Garment Technologist Apprentice will provide an excellent opportunity for the right candidate. Click here for more details.

 

From Monday 7th January, The Fashion Studio will be charging for initial consultations. The price for 45 minutes with The Studio manager, Jenny Beth will be £20. But good news! If you sign up as a client within 3 months from your initial consultation, this is then credited back to you!

How to Build A Successful Brand with Caren Downie 31^st January.

How To Do Your Own PR with Rosie Davis 21st February 2019.

 

Della’s Three Stage Masterclasses

Stage One – Who Is Your Customer

Stage Two – Planning Your Range

Stage Three – How to Sell Your Brand

Gerber Accumark Digital Pattern Making for Beginners from the 12^th January 2019.

TR Pattern Cutting 2-Day Master Course Stage 1, 25^th and 26^th January 2019.