Fashion Industry Prepared?
20-09-2025
Newsletter 16th July 2025
Free Skills Bootcamp Course – Leicester
We are proud to announce that FCFTA Leicester has been awarded Wave 6 funding for its industry-ready Skills Bootcamp courses. In collaboration with the Apparel & Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF), we’re delivering this hands-on, employer-led course designed to get people into work and meet real industry needs — including garment repairs and reprocessing.
The 4-week Skills Bootcamp in Garment Production, Repair Techniques & AI Innovation provides an opportunity to gain in-demand skills, connect with real employers, and build a future in the fashion industry.
Former Skills Bootcamp participant Pragna shared: “After I was made redundant, I was looking for a job. I tried so many places and then I met Fashion-Enter at a job fair. All the staff were really helpful. After discussing everything with them, I joined the Skills Bootcamp course. I was working in the garment industry, so I already knew how to do a lot of things, but there were a few techniques I didn’t know — so I learned new skills like how to repair and upcycle.
“By doing the course, I gained lots of confidence, continued my journey, and made new friends. I went on interviews with several Leicester companies and I got a job at ESPL, working as a multi-skilled machinist, full-time, four days a week. So I’d like to say thank you very much to Fashion-Enter, all the staff, my tutors, and the council who helped fund the course.”
Enrolment is now open for the next cohort, starting 4th August 2025. To find out more and apply, contact: fcftaleicester@fashion-enter.com Tel: 0116 436 2560
FC Designer Workspace to Celebrate £1 Million Milestone!
Next week, we’re celebrating a major milestone at the FC Designer Workspace — we’ve officially delivered over £1 million in Social Value to our Islington community since launching the project. This was our ten-year goal… and we’ve reached it in just 4.5 years!
A huge thank you to our designers, Islington Council, the Affordable Workspace team, and the wider creative community for their continued support.
Stay tuned for more on the celebration next week.
Are You Investor Ready? Exclusive Workshop for Fashion Designers
We’re excited to announce a unique FREE one-day Funding Readiness Programme tailored specifically for creative founders. Delivered in partnership with Impact Lawyers and supported by Kevin Withane (FRSA), this intensive workshop takes place on 25th September at the FC Designer Workspace.
Designed for fashion designers seeking investment, the programme covers everything from founder mindset and legal essentials to funding options, financial storytelling, and pitch practice. Expect interactive sessions, fireside chats, and a Demo Day-style showcase, plus access to post-event resources like legal checklists, cap table templates, and more.
Spaces are very limited — don’t miss out Tap here to register your place
FEL Listed as One of London’s Regional Rising Stars in The Times
We’re thrilled that Fashion-Enter Ltd has been featured in The Times as one of London’s Regional Rising Stars! The article, by journalist Hannah Prevett and supported by Barclays Business Banking, celebrates five innovative and fast-growing businesses in the capital — including our very own Jennifer Holloway, Founding Chair of Fashion-Enter Ltd / FashionCapital.
Recognised for our commitment to ethical UK manufacturing, skills training, and innovation, we’re proud to be spotlighted alongside other inspiring founders helping to shape the future of British enterprise.
Just the Beginning – Source Fashion
A week on from the Source Fashion trade show, the FEL team, ATMF, and participating Leicester manufacturers have been reflecting on the event:
Ramana K from AVINCI LTD said: “Thank you for the opportunity to participate in Source Fashion 2025. It was a pleasure to be part of such a well-organised and impactful event. We were glad to meet and engage with a wide range of industry individuals, including new start-ups and an Indian fabric supplier — which we believe could open doors to exciting future collaborations.
“A key highlight was the insightful conversation with Simon Platts and Katherine from SP & KO, and attending the session by Jack Stratten, Head of Trends at Insider Trends. His talk on ‘AI, Tech, and Fashion: Progressive or Regressive?’ gave us valuable insights that we’re keen to apply as we explore digital innovation within our business.”
Jenny Holloway, Chair of ATMF & CEO of FEL, added: “We were thrilled to showcase Leicester’s strengths at Source Fashion. This new scheme is a game-changer. It recognises the value of UK manufacturing — particularly in Leicester — where innovation meets tradition. We’re ready to show the world that high-quality, ethical production is alive and thriving right here.”
The next edition will take place in February 2026.
Thank You from ThreadChain
ThreadChain — the new digital platform from ATMF — supports Leicester’s factories, designers, and creatives by offering direct-to-consumer sales and made-to-order garment production. We’re excited to announce the platform has now received its first consumer sales and on-demand orders!
Each order supports a new ethical era for Leicester manufacturing and the revival of “Made in the UK”.
Visit: www.threadchain.co.uk
Sustainable Fashion Graduate Gains Insight on Reshoring From FEL
Skye Michaelis, a recent graduate in Sustainable Fashion from the University of Leeds, interviewed FEL Founder Jenny Holloway for her final dissertation titled: ‘The Impact of Reshoring on the Sustainability of Fashion Production’, and fantastic news – she has been awarded a first.
On hearing her result Skye said: “I believe this was due to the high quality of the information provided in the interviews by people like you (Jenny). Thank you very much for your time and sharing your insights, I really appreciate it!”
Work Experience with FEL
Last week, Nicholas, Year 10 work experience, spent the week with various departments / FEL staff and wrote up a fantastic feedback article. From the article Nicholas said: “From the moment I arrived, I was never left without something to do. The team kept me busy with a variety of tasks, all of which helped me gain practical experience and a deeper understanding of the fashion production process.
“One of my highlights was shadowing Sunniva in Garment Tech, where I learned how to measure garments during manufacturing to ensure they met exact specifications. I also got to work with Ellie in the United Repair Centre and see first-hand how garments are repaired—an eye-opening experience that made me realise how important it is for designers to think about repairability from the start.”
To read more tap here
Courses Workshops and Masterclasses
Roll-on courses:
Available at all campuses Islington, Haringey and Leicester.
Diploma in Fashion Design and Business
Patterns:
23rd July – 3-Day Pattern Cutting course – FC Designer Workspace – £135 + eventbrite fee
Stitching:
23rd July – 3-Day Dress Making Sewing course – FC Designer Workspace – 135 + eventbrite fee
Draping:
26th July & 2nd Aug – Introduction to Draping in 2 Saturday sessions – FC Designer Workspace – £90 + eventbrite fee
Corset Making:
9th & 16th August – Corset Making for Beginners – FC Designer Workspace – £90 + eventbrite fee
Upcycling:
21st July – 1-Day Beginners Upcycle Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
29th July – Free Drop In Repair / Upcycling – FC Designer Collective shop – free please register your place
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…
LVMH Labour Scandal Highlights Urgent Need for Supply Chain Transparency
And Finally…
Starting in September we have the Level 3 Diploma in Fashion for 16 – 18 year olds. This course gives an overarching taster of the industry and includes design, production and business, to register your interest please email Lan: lan@fashion-enter.com
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital
