From India’s Factories to UK’s Graduates
10-06-2026
Newsletter 10th June 2026
India Backs Their Manufacturers – Why Doesn’t the UK?
Fresh from a fact-finding visit to textile manufacturers in India, FEL CEO and ATMF Chair, Jenny Holloway has highlighted the stark contrast between the support available to manufacturers overseas and the challenges faced by UK production businesses. Visiting one of Southern India’s largest integrated textile facilities, she witnessed first-hand how government-backed investment, skills programmes and export incentives are helping manufacturers scale, modernise and compete globally.
While acknowledging that the UK cannot compete with India on unit cost alone, Jenny believes there is a significant opportunity for British manufacturing to thrive through innovation, speed to market and specialist production. Her visit reinforced a growing concern that UK manufacturers are operating on an uneven playing field, and that greater government recognition and support are needed to unlock the sector’s full economic potential.
As discussions continue around industrial strategy and economic growth, Jenny is calling on policymakers to look closely at the measures supporting manufacturing abroad and consider what more can be done to strengthen and grow the UK’s manufacturing base.
To join in with the discussion add your thoughts to Jenny’s Linked In post: Partnering with Indian manufacturers. Why isn’t the UK supported the same?
(Images from Jenny’s visits)
Graduate Season Begins: What’s Next for Fashion’s Emerging Talent?
(GFW 2025 by JoJo Iles)
With final-year exhibitions and catwalk shows taking place attention now turns to the next generation of fashion talent. Graduate Fashion Week returns next week, from 15th – 18th June, celebrating its 35th anniversary with exhibitions, catwalk shows and talks.
Up and down the UK more than 9,000 graduates will be taking their next steps in the industry and the challenge remains how to support young people into meaningful careers at a time when NEET figures for 16–24-year-olds remain high. From fully funded apprenticeships and sewing traineeships to retailer-led employment initiatives and innovation bursaries, there are increasing opportunities for young people to enter the fashion and textile sector through practical, skills-based routes.
Fashion-Enter Ltd and its Fashion Technology Academy continue to play a vital role in developing future talent through apprenticeships, work-ready training programmes and industry-led education delivered alongside live manufacturing environments. By providing hands-on experience and direct pathways into employment, FEL and FTA are helping to ensure the next generation has the skills needed to build successful careers in UK fashion and manufacturing.
Visit: https://fcfta.com/ to find out more.
Current Vacancy: Apprentice Sewing Machinist
This Apprentice Sewing Machinist opportunity in 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.
FTA Leicester Inspires Upcycling at Riverside Festival 2026
The FTA Leicester was delighted to take part in Leicester’s Riverside Festival 2026 on Saturday 6th June, engaging with the local community through a range of creative and sustainable upcycling activities. Visitors of all ages joined the team to transform recycled textiles and fabric offcuts into slouchy bags, decorative flowers and macramé bottle holders, highlighting the potential of textile waste to become something both practical and beautiful.
Throughout the day, the FTA Leicester team also shared information about training opportunities, workshops and courses available locally. Radio interviews with Technical Manager Jo Bean and Operational Manager Divya Kamath reinforced the importance of sustainability, creative skills and community engagement, with the event attracting strong interest from families, students and residents across the city. The enthusiastic response demonstrated the growing appetite for accessible creative learning within the community.
(Divya talking to Soar Sound Radio)
Join Us at Source Fashion This July 7th – 9th
Source Fashion returns to ExCeL London from 7th – 9th July 2026, bringing together manufacturers, suppliers and sourcing professionals from across the global fashion industry. This year’s event will see a significantly expanded UK presence, reflecting the growing demand for local, agile and transparent manufacturing solutions as brands increasingly look to source closer to home.
Fashion-Enter Ltd and the Apparel & Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF) will once again be exhibiting, championing the capabilities of UK garment production and showcasing the strength of British manufacturing. ATMF will also highlight a selection of Leicester-based suppliers, reinforcing the city’s important role within the UK’s fashion and textile sector. Whether you’re looking for new sourcing partners, manufacturing expertise or industry insights, Source Fashion provides an excellent opportunity to connect with the businesses shaping the future of fashion production.
Tap here to find out more about exhibiting or visiting Source Fashion 7th – 9th July 2026.
From One Sample to a Full Collection – Develop Your Brand With Us
Turning a fashion concept into a finished product requires the right expertise and support. Fashion-Enter Ltd’s London-based Fashion Studio helps brands at every stage of the development process, offering professional sampling services, pattern development and small-run production with minimum order quantities from just one unit. Whether you’re launching a new label or expanding an existing collection, the experienced team provides practical guidance from initial design through to production, helping bring ideas to life with confidence and precision.
Tap here to find out more and for contact details.
Free Pattern Making & Goods Construction Masterclass 17th June FTA Leicester
Join FTA Leicester for a free hands-on masterclass with entrepreneur and Creative Business Growth Initiative (CBGI) founder Martin “Fitzzz” Ogunsakin. Running from 10am – 2pm on Wednesday 17th June, this practical workshop will guide participants through pattern making fundamentals, bag construction techniques and professional finishing methods, with attendees drafting patterns from scratch and creating their own finished product.
Alongside technical skills, the session will explore how to take products from craft to commerce, covering pricing, photography and selling strategies for creative entrepreneurs. Ideal for anyone interested in fashion, accessories, design or starting their own creative business, this free workshop offers a valuable opportunity to develop both practical and commercial skills.
For anyone wishing to register, scan the QR code on the poster and complete the short form.
Alternatively, use the following sign up link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdEL8iO3ihkkFh9emQRRpzqYfzVqWB9YcVH7Y82jfqQAdBUbA/viewform
Flexible Machine Hire
Looking for access to professional manufacturing equipment without the cost of setting up your own studio? The FC Designer Workspace offers fashion designers 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, designers benefit from an initial health and safety induction and machine training with our technician.
Perfect for fashion students, start-up brands and designers developing collections.
Flexible hire options available. Email: beth@fashion-enter.com to find out more.
Community Creativity Continues with ReFAB Studio Workshops
This Friday will hit the eighth edition of the twelve free community workshops in collaboration with ReFAB Studio and the programme has been overwhelmingly positive. Participants have praised the sessions for helping them develop new sewing and upcycling skills, build confidence, connect with others and enjoy the wellbeing benefits of creative making in a welcoming environment.
Delivered at FC Designer Workspace in partnership with ReFAB Studio and funded by The Clothworkers’ Company, the hands-on workshops teach participants how to transform reclaimed interior textiles into beautifully finished items, such as envelope cushion covers, while introducing industrial sewing machines, garment construction techniques and circular textile principles. With places filling quickly for every session, anyone interested in attending future workshops is encouraged to check our Eventbrite page regularly and book early to avoid disappointment. All materials, equipment and one-to-one tutor support are provided free of charge, making these sessions an accessible opportunity to learn, create and connect.
Tap here to view up and coming workshops.
FTA Islington Open Day For 16 – 18 Year-Olds
Are you 16-18 and considering a creative career in fashion? The Fashion Technology Academy’s Level 3 Diploma offers a practical, hands-on pathway into the industry, helping young people develop real-world skills in fashion design, garment construction and creative practice. Our upcoming Open Day is the perfect opportunity 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 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.
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 Courses and Workshops:
13th June – Saturday Fabric Manipulation and Textile Embellishment Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
20th June – Saturday Pattern Cutting Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
23rd June – Free Repair & Upcycling Drop In Session – FC Designer Collective shop – Free please register
27th June – Saturday Corset Making Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
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…
SS27: The Colours of India & Sari Heritage Inspiring Future Fashion
And Finally…Hands-On Inclusive Workshop
(FTA London teaching team with The Bridge Deputy Principal)
As part of its commitment to inclusive education, the FTA recently delivered a creative textile workshop at The Bridge SEN School, working with young adults with Special Educational Needs to design and decorate mini tote bags. The session encouraged creativity, confidence and practical skills development while providing FTA tutors with valuable experience in adapting learning activities to support diverse abilities and learning styles. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from learners and staff highlighted the impact of creative, hands-on learning and reinforced FTA’s ongoing commitment to widening participation and ensuring learning opportunities are accessible to all.
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital / Fashion-Enter Ltd
