Innovation, Enthusiasm & Expertise

Newsletter 15th December 2021 

Mayor Tours FEL London Factory

On Friday 10th December we warmly welcomed the Mayor of Haringey, Adam Jogee, to visit and tour our ethically compliant north London factory. CEO Jenny Holloway showed the Mayor the various stages of production including the use of the latest technology such as the Kornit Digital Presto and Zund Cutting machine. He was very engaged throughout and said that “it was a fab visit and so, so interesting.”

Community Renewal Fund To Support Leicester’s Textile Industry

Today, 15th December 2021, CEO Jenny Holloway and Production Director Caroline Ash were joined by Sajjad Khan, Jackie Lewis, Compliance ISIF, Jill Banga, auditor and ten fashion and textile manufacturers in Leicester for a seminar on standards and support for all within the sector.

Part of Fashion-Enter Ltd’s engagement with businesses and the Community Renewal Fund, the seminar discussed a joint responsibility initiative to ensure brands are transparent on how they buy and their payment terms along with sanctions with the retailer if there is an infringement. The seminar also discussed the importance of giving suppliers and workers a voice along with providing ESOL courses. 

Earlier this year Leicester City Council announced it was successful in a bid for the government’s Community Renewal Fund, as a result the council is working with partners Fashion-Enter Ltd and De Montfort University to offer co-ordinated support to textiles manufacturers and workers in the area.

200 Ponchos Made & Delivered

Last week we mentioned about the generous fabric donation by a Fabric Studio client and how FS Assistant Gee came up with the idea to create garments for the homeless. A big thank-you and well done to all involved with this project including FTA tutors and learners. 200 ponchos were made and have been delivered to Mulberry Junction, a dedicated resource centre in Tottenham for people affected by or at risk of homelessness. 

Audit with CCCG 

Many thanks to Kelly Knight who visited us yesterday at the FC Designer Workspace where we hold our courses Level 1 and 2 in stitching and patterns. 

We had a quality audit which reviews our paperwork standards for documentation such as Pre and initial IAG, ILP, Progress reviews et al and all went well.

Teaching however is more that just reaching criteria and solid paperwork – it’s also about engaging with the community and looking at career destinations. This is why the recent poncho project, for example, is so important. 

In the Press

The recently launched FC Fashion Technology Academy (Leicester) continues to attract press interest, on the 13th December the Leicester Mercury reported on the opening describing the academy as part of a “renaissance” of Leicester’s textile industry.

Factory Tours & CPPD’s

This week we welcomed the production team from All Saints for an insightful factory tour and seminar. Feedback from the group was fantastic and included: 

“This was an excellent course/experience. Caroline condensed years of learning and experience into a few hours. Loved it! So worthwhile and wonderful to see the innovation, enthusiasm and expertise right here in London.”

“I already know lots about how a factory is run but the organisation and accuracy of how it operates is on point. Good expansion on digital printing and I love that it has its own academy.”

“Really enjoyed the day. It was so informative and great to see all the developments and investment in the future of the industry.”

To find out more about our Factory Tours and CPPD’s visit: https://fcfta.com/accredited-cppd-training/

Stitching & Pattern Courses – Drop In Enrolment Day

Today a drop-in enrolment day took place at the FC Designer Workspace for those interested in enrolling onto the Level 1 and 2 Stitching and Pattern Cutting courses that will commence on 10th January 2022. 24 potential learners attended the session to find out more about the courses and to start their enrolment process. Huge thank you to Margaux and Callum who took time to speak to each candidate about what the course entails, check their eligibility for funding and start enrolling them onto a course.  

There is still time to apply if you would like to learn a new practical skill in 2022! You could be eligible for a free course if you are over 19, live in a London borough and either low income (under £21,157) or unemployed and receipt of benefits. Alternatively, you can self-fund if you are looking to change careers or learn a new skill. The Level 1 course costs £750 and there is the option of paying in three instalments. Get in touch to find out what your options are – education@fashion-enter.com 

Upskill in 2022!

Are you looking to upskill your fashion CV in 2022? We will be kicking off the New Year with 3-day courses in Optitex and Gerber – both are excellent software production tools widely used by industry. 

Garment Tech’s from global etailer ASOS recently updated their technical skills with Optitex tuition, feedback included:

“The Optitex course was thorough and clear. It was very comprehensive and methodical in how it was delivered. Claire is a brilliant teacher and covered all queries.”

“This course has been great. I understand about Optitex and how to make it work for me and my department. And I have a better idea of what my suppliers are doing when I ask for an amendment.”

For enquiries on any of our courses and masterclasses email: education@fashion-enter.com

Masterclasses & Courses

On-going short courses in Stitching and Pattern Cutting available, the next start date will be Monday 10th January 2022 – to find out more visit our FCFTA website or contact education@fashion-enter.com

Free Sewing Masterclasses (Weekly for Islington Residents – one date remaining 22nd December)

Diva Choice – Cupcakes & Cocktails Shopping Event – FC Designer Collective 18th December

Optitex 3-day Course (18 – 20 January)

Gerber 3-day Course (26 – 28 January)

Fabric Swatch of the Week

How has 2021 been for you? Here at FC HQ we are planning to see in the New Year in style! Sewing machines at the ready, we have picked out this soft, embellished jersey, comfort with a touch of bling! Available at the FC Fabric Studio at £5- per metre.

This Week on FashionCapital.co.uk

Rights Activists Get Behind Compensation Campaign for Thai Garment Workers.

And Finally…

Kitchenware brand Spyce Jones, made with love by the Fashion-Enter Welsh team, has started to pick up orders. The team are now offering a deal on matching digitally printed 3-piece sets (apron, oven gloves and tea towel) with a saving of £4.99. Visit www.spycejones.com to view the range.

Until next time, have a great week!