Free Support, Funding and More…

Newsletter 26th January 2022

Launch of CRF Program in Leicester

It’s an exciting day for UK garment manufacturing as we commence with the Community Renewal Funding project for Leicester’s manufacturing community. Tap here to read all about the program and the key aims and objectives. 

Throughout February – May 2022, Fashion-Enter is set deliver a series of masterclasses, tailored advice and training initiatives for up to 25 factories in the area. Topics will include: Sales, Business compliance (81 steps), Educational requirements, Labour exploitation, Apprenticeships, Marketing, Website construction, PLM, Galaxius systems and Best practice policies. Delivered by leading industry professionals the program is set to establish Leicester as a major UK manufacturing hub.

Meet the New FCFTA (Leicester) Manager

We are thrilled to announce that Jackie Bertram will be joining the Fashion-Enter team as the new Manager of FCFTA (Leicester). She will be delivering on the Community Renewal Program and supporting the factories and workers of Leicester.

Jackie commented: “After 20-years working for some amazing retailers, I am incredibly excited to be joining Fashion-Enter to be Manager of FTA Leicester.

“The garment industry in my home town of Leicester has experienced turbulent years, and the need to consistently change and adapt will be key as we move to a more responsible future. Therefore I am delighted to be given the chance to support Leicester and the industry I love.

“Many Thanks to Simon Platts for the ASOS opportunity – It’s been amazing – and huge thanks to Jenny Holloway and Fashion-Enter for this unique role supporting UK Manufacturing.”

Fashion-Enter Joins the Leicestershire Innovation Festival

The Leicestershire Innovation Festival is back for 2022 with in person and online events.

Fashion-Enter will be taking part and on 16th February from 2pm – 5pm CEO Jenny Holloway and Production Director Caroline Ash will deliver a masterclass on ‘How to Make Your Fashion Business Succeed Today.’  

This three-hour session aims to provide a unique insight into the industry as well as invaluable advice for fashion brands and manufacturers in Leicester. 

In addition, Fashion-Enter can support with applying for a £5k grant, offer free business advice and help promote your company free of charge to the industry. You will also learn all about the latest Fashion Technology Academy – FCFTA in Leicester, offering qualifications from Level 1 stitching and pattern cutting through to apprenticeships. 

Tap here to book your place. 

Get Scouted by SilkFred.com

Online independent fashion platform SilkFred.com was launched in 2011 and from small beginnings has grown to now feature over 800 independent brands. With over a million followers SilkFred is all about championing unique, affordable style that you won’t find anywhere else.

Are you interested in selling your designs on the SilkFred platform? We are offering a very unique opportunity to meet brand scouts from the successful platform and hear directly from them how brands are selected and nurtured to achieve optimum sales.

The SilkFred Brand Scout session will take place Tuesday 1st February from 10am – 12pm at the FC Designer Workspace in north London. Please note numbers are limited and an application process required. This session is open to accessories and womenswear designers. If you would like to attend please email your brand bio, look book, website or selection of images including price points to: jenni@fashion-enter.com  

Islington Residents – Circular Economy Grants Now Available!

Islington Council is partnering with ReLondon to offer grants and expert advice to small businesses based in the Islington borough to help reduce waste by adopting Circular Economy principles and playing a vital role in tackling climate change!

Islington’s small businesses can apply for Circular Economy grant funding by filling in an application form here.

ReLondon is particularly interested in hearing from small businesses in the fashion and textiles sectors. Applications are open till 27th February tap here for more details and to apply. 

Free Support for Creative Businesses

If you are a creative living in the N17 area you could receive up to a year of free business support via the N17 Creative Callings program.

“Joining the N17 Creative Callings program has meant I have a mentor that understands and wants the very best for me. I have had so much help with legal matters, I am on a free course for pattern cutting and I have help whenever I need it to make sure my J’Adore Hardcore range is perfect in all respects. I did not expect this program to be this good – the people here are amazing. Every meeting we’ve had makes me feel very empowered and confident with my brand and work.” – Chema

Find out further details via this PDF flyer.   

Tomorrow: Free Masterclass on Brand Building

Tomorrow Thursday 27th January at 10am we will be hosting a free masterclass from founder of Visibu, Stephanie Santayana. During this Zoom session Stephanie will explain how to create social media content strategies that bring your brand to life and how to achieve more engagement and loyalty. Tap here for the last chance to book your place.

New Apprentice Joins the Team

Roseanne has joined the Fashion-Enter team as an Apprentice Production Assistant. Here she introduces herself:

“Hi, I’m Roseanne, the latest Apprentice Production Assistant! I’ve just come from working at Lolly & Kiks, an African wax print fashion & homeware accessories brand, as the Production Assistant/Fashion Studio Assistant. I’m looking forward to working with you all, as I get some more experience working in a hectic fashion environment. In the future I want to launch my own brand, but in the meantime I just want to get to know how everything runs and hopefully be able to work as a pattern cutter one day too.”

Masterclasses & Courses

Free Sewing Masterclasses (Weekly for Islington Residents throughout January)

Brand Building Through Social Media for Boutique Apparel & Accessories Brands (27 January – free)

Leicestershire Innovation Festival – How to Make Your Fashion Business Succeed Today (16 February – free)

Sustainable Fabric Sourcing (23 February)

Meet Designer Louisa Parris (17 March – free)

Fabric Swatch of the Week

Happy Chinese New Year (1st February). As it’s the year of the Tiger we couldn’t help but show off our Tiger Print Yellow Jersey, printed with one of the world’s most sustainable fabric printers, the Kornit Presto. This vibrant print is available from the FCFabricStudio now at £4.50 per metre.

This Week on FashionCapital

Guest contributor Valentina Caiza reveals 6 Key Womenswear Trends for SS22

And Finally…

The visionary designer, Thierry Mugler, passed away this week. His legendary work has been worn by the likes of Beyonce, Lady Gaga and David Bowie. His striking, structured designs have influenced the fashion industry since the 1980’s and will continue to inspire for decades to come.

Until next time, have a great week.