Climate Action, UK Manufacturing & Industry News
24-06-2026
Newsletter 24th June 2026
Turning Up the Heat on Climate Action
(Jenny right, with compere Helena Mansell-Stopher at Universal Music Group’s Camden event)
As much of the UK swelters through an extreme heatwave, it seems particularly fitting that London Climate Action Week is now underway, bringing together businesses, communities and innovators to explore solutions for a more sustainable future. Across the capital, a packed programme of talks, workshops and events is highlighting the urgent need for climate action and the role that every sector can play in driving positive change.
At FashionCapital / Fashion-Enter Ltd, we were pleased to contribute to the week’s activities on Tuesday 23rd June by hosting our free community repair and upcycling workshop at FC Designer Workspace on Fonthill Road. Supported by Islington Council, these bi-monthly sessions provide practical skills and advice to help people repair, alter and reimagine the garments they already own. Despite the soaring temperatures, we welcomed a fantastic turnout, with our team supporting a variety of repair, alteration and creative upcycling projects, demonstrating that extending the life of our clothing remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce fashion’s environmental impact.
Later that day, Fashion-Enter CEO and ATMF Chair Jenny Holloway joined sustainability leaders at Universal Music Group’s Camden event to discuss the growing relationship between fashion, music and climate action. Held alongside the launch of Recomposed: Music, Climate, Crisis, Change by Kyle Devine, the event brought together voices from across culture, fashion and sustainability to explore opportunities for collaboration and meaningful change. Reflecting on the evening, Jenny praised the inspiring discussions, congratulated Kyle on the launch of his new book and highlighted exciting future opportunities to work together on innovative sustainability initiatives.
To discover what’s still to come during London Climate Action Week, visit the events programme at https://londonclimateactionweek.org/events/
Talking PM Resignation With Just-Style.com
(Image courtesy of Just-Style.com)
Fashion-Enter Ltd CEO and ATMF Chair Jenny Holloway recently featured in a Just-Style article examining the potential impact of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s resignation on UK fashion supply chains and manufacturing.
In the article, Jenny stressed the importance of maintaining momentum on public procurement, skills development and support for UK manufacturing, warning against delays during any political transition. She highlighted the vital role of apprenticeships and vocational training in rebuilding Britain’s manufacturing capability and called for practical action to support factories facing ongoing pressure from reduced UK order volumes.
Read the full article: What Starmer stepping down means for fashion supply chains on Just-Style
Certificate Celebration Leicester
Leicester Fashion Hub recently hosted a special certificate ceremony recognising the achievements of learners and apprentices who have successfully completed industry-focused training programmes. The event celebrated graduates from Level 1 and Level 2 Fashion & Textiles courses, Skills Bootcamps, and six NEXT apprentices who completed the Level 4 Fashion & Textiles Product Technologist Apprenticeship.
A total of 52 learners achieved qualifications across a range of programmes, with eight securing full-time employment within the fashion industry. Meanwhile, all six NEXT apprentices achieved Distinction grades, a 100% success rate, demonstrating the value of vocational training and employer partnerships in developing future industry talent.
The ceremony highlighted the vital role that skills development, apprenticeships and practical industry experience play in supporting the future of UK fashion and textile manufacturing.
Apprentice Required – West Midlands
Looking for an apprenticeship? This Apprentice Sewing Machinist opportunity in Telford the West Midlands offers hands-on experience, industry training and the chance to earn while you learn.
The ideal candidate will develop practical skills, gain real workplace experience and build a career in an industry that values technical talent.
Tap here to find out more about this apprenticeship.
Source Fashion 7th – 9th July – Set for Strongest-Ever UK Manufacturing Presence
With Source Fashion taking place at ExCeL London from 7th – 9th July, the show’s British Pavilion is set to be bigger than ever, reflecting growing demand for UK-based sourcing and manufacturing. This season, between 40 and 45 British manufacturers and businesses are expected to exhibit, making the UK the second-largest country presence at the event after China.
Fashion-Enter Ltd and the Apparel & Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF) will once again be exhibiting, championing the strength of British manufacturing and showcasing Leicester-based suppliers. The expanded pavilion highlights the increasing importance of agile, transparent and locally focused production solutions as brands look to strengthen and diversify their supply chains.
To find out more and register: https://www.source-fashion.com/
A Few Places Remaining – Free Making Workshop
We have a few places remaining for the next ReFAB Studio X FEL free upcycling workshop at the FC Designer Workspace in North London. These sessions have received amazing feedback and offer individuals the chance to upcycle luxury textile fabrics into envelope cushion covers or tote / cosmetic bags. Funded by The Clothworkers’ Company and delivered in partnership with ReFAB Studio, these workshops champion circular fashion, reuse and creative skills. If you would like to join the next session on 26th June please register here we have a few places available.
Industrial Machine Hire
Looking for access to professional industrial equipment? The FC Designer Workspace offers fashion creatives the opportunity to hire industry-standard Juki industrial sewing machines by the hour, day or week, providing the perfect environment to develop samples, refine collections and build technical skills. Alongside access to cutting tables and a range of AlvaForms, perfect for fashion students, start-up brands and designers developing collections.
Flexible hire options available. Email: beth@fashion-enter.com to find out more.
Level 3 Diploma Open Day For 16 – 18 Year Olds
Are you 16 – 18 and considering what to do next? The Fashion Technology Academy’s Level 3 Diploma in Creative Practice offers a practical, hands-on pathway into the fashion industry, helping young people develop real-world skills in fashion design, garment construction and creative idea development.
Interested? We are holding an Open Day for prospective students and parents to explore the course, meet our experienced tutors, see the studio in action, and gain a first-hand insight into life at the Islington based academy. Whether you’re passionate about design, making or building a future in fashion, come and discover how the Level 3 Diploma can help you start your fashion journey.
Thursday 16th July 10am – 2pm Level 3 Open Day UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Creative Practice at FC Designer Workspace, 9 Durham Road, Islington N7 7FB.
Tap here to reserve your place.
Tailoring Courses Starting This September
Looking to develop specialist tailoring skills? This September, the FTA is launching a range of professional tailoring courses taught by renowned tutor Francesco at its Islington campus. Designed for intermediate and advanced learners, the programmes cover Trouser Making, Waistcoat Making, Coat & Jacket Making, Bespoke Pattern Making, and the comprehensive Level 3 Certificate in Tailoring.
Students benefit from industry-led training, hands-on learning and access to professional equipment while developing the technical skills demanded by today’s fashion industry. Places are limited and early booking is recommended.
For further information or to enrol, contact: education@fashion-enter.com.
Courses Workshops and Masterclasses
Roll-on courses:
Available at all campuses Islington, Haringey and Leicester.
UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Creative Practice
1 Day Workshops
26th June – Free ReFAB X FEL Upcycling Community Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – Free, please register
27th June – Saturday Corset Making Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
4th July – Saturday Draping Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
7th July – Free Repair & Upcycling Drop In Session – FC Designer Collective shop – Free please register
10th July – Free ReFAB X FEL Upcycling Community Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – Free, please register
More courses for the coming weeks can be found here.
For all course enquiries contact: education@fashion-enter.com or call 0208 809 3311
This Week on FashionCapital…
(Image by JoJo Iles)
Now On: Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art – V&A London
“For anyone that is interested in fashion or art this exhibition provides an up-close and personal look at the sheer craftsmanship and grandeur that goes into haute couture.”
And Finally…Leicester Made & Regions to Hit the Road
In May we announced that Source Fashion is partnering with Leicester Made & Regions, an initiative from FEL and the ATMF, to launch a new series of regional UK roadshows designed to reconnect buyers with British manufacturers, strengthen regional sourcing networks and support the future of domestic fashion and textile manufacturing. We are thrilled to confirm that Manchester will be our first stop and will announce an autumn date in the coming weeks.
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital / Fashion-Enter Ltd
