Launching Leicester Fashion Technology Academy!
13-01-2021
Newsletter 13th January 2021
Launching the Leicester Fashion Technology Academy!
We are absolutely thrilled to be a part of an innovative project to deliver apprenticeships and accredited training for the textiles industry in Leicester. We (Fashion-Enter Ltd) have teamed up with Leicester City Council and local clothing company Ethically Sourced Products Ltd to develop a new textiles skills centre – the Leicester Fashion Technology Academy.
Leicester has the second largest concentration of textile and fashion manufacturing businesses in the UK. Recognising the importance of the industry to the local economy, the city council is investing £300,000 to help set up the pilot project to offer apprenticeships and accredited training for people working in the local textiles industry. The new academy will also look to work closely with local textiles and fashion manufacturing businesses.
City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “Establishing this new training academy with leading experts in the field is an exciting way of supporting the fashion and textiles industry in Leicester and helping ensure that local workers have the best opportunities to develop their skills and careers.”
The new academy will offer people the opportunity to work towards entry-level qualifications in core industry skills including pattern-making, fabric inspection, laying and cutting, machine maintenance and stitching. People can then work towards advanced certificates and progress onto one of Fashion-Enter’s apprenticeship schemes for retail/etail employers.
Jenny Holloway, CEO of Fashion-Enter, said: “We have worked with Leicester over the last five years and we know what a major cluster of garment manufacturing there is. We now have a unique opportunity to create a quality-based hub that will engage with retailers and manufacturers to create a new generation of highly trained specialists. These are exciting times indeed.”
The new training centre will be based on the top floor of Ethically Sourced Products’ factory premises in Spinney Hills. The new Leicester Fashion Technology Academy is planning to open in early summer, following refurbishment of the new premises, with delivery of an initial taster programme.
To read the full press release please tap here.
Meet Our Industry Experts
We have not one but two industry experts passing on their industry knowledge via Zoom sessions this month. First up is Caren Downey, former Topshop Buying Director, ASOS Buying Director, Finery London Brand Director, ByOcular Brand Director & Founder and now Fashion Director of Lemonade Dolls, Caren has been at the forefront of fashion for over twenty years. With an instinctual knack for knowing what works her keen style credentials are backed up with her excellent understanding of business and sales. Join Caren in conversation with Fashion-Enter CEO Jenny Holloway via Zoom on Thursday 21st January. Over two-hours she will be discussing key industry issues such as how to successfully build a brand, how to generate a customer base and how to overcome fundamental difficulties and more. Plus there will be the opportunity to ask questions. To find out more and book your place tap here.
Sustainable Fabric Sourcing with Mark Dodds follows on Friday 29th January giving attendees the chance to learn all about sustainable fibres, the challenges around using sustainable fabrics, where to source and much more. Further details on this two-hour session can be found here. Please note that there is a 20% discount for members.
Coming Soon…How to Do Your Own PR
PR Dispatch founder Rosie Davies-Smith is back for another informative masterclass on ‘How to Do Your Own PR’. Rosie will share her invaluable knowledge and top tips on how you can take control of your own PR and increase your brand awareness. This masterclass will be held via Zoom and the date will be confirmed in due course. Please visit our masterclasses page to find out more and book your place when the session is added later this week.
Want to Start Your Own Brand? We Can Help!
Lockdowns and furloughs have given people time to think, create and the desire to start their own small businesses. Since 2001 we have nurtured, developed and supported new and emerging designers through every step from initial idea to garment production to generating those all-important sales.
Utilising our years of experience and expert industry knowledge we have been working hard on a new annual membership that will equip you with the tools and confidence to forge ahead and build a successful brand.
You will have access to a series of business bundles, one-to-one mentoring and four downloadable masterclasses to watch in your own time. To find out more about the package please tap here.
We can also offer the yearly membership fee of £299 plus VAT in four instalments of £75.74 plus VAT every three months. If you would like to take this option please email jenni@fashion-enter.com to set up your payment plan.
Kornit and Fashion-Enter Livestream Exclusive
We are thrilled to be working with digital textile printing experts Kornit on an exclusive MircoFactory livestream event. Taking place on 27th January invited participants will learn all about:
- Designing fashion for digital printing
- The versatility, quality and speed of a unique printing system
- A showcase of fashion & home décor applications
The 90-minute session will combine digital printing solutions with up-to-the-minute production to offer a complete MicroFactory service.
Masterclasses and Courses January
FC Virtual Meet Up with Caren Downie
Sustainable Fabric Sourcing Zoom Masterclass
(Members receive a 20% discount)
Learning from Home eTelestia Online Courses
Fashion Design Technical Drawing
Level 2 Telestia Diploma in APD
Fabric Swatch of the Week
Need something cosy to work with during this lockdown? How about this stretchy, light grey, ribbed jersey, perfect for making a turtle neck top or a ribbed skirt. Available via the FCFabricStudio now at £6.00 per metre.
This Week on FashionCapital.co.uk
Throughout 2020, the urgency surrounding Climate Change followed by the disruption of a global pandemic saw brands and designers address business models and sustainability issues with a direct sense of clarity. It is all very well talking about change but who is actually implementing action? And what is the state of clothing and waste in the UK today?
Find out more in Valuing Our Clothes and the UK Manufacturing Industry
And Finally…
There is so much discussion regarding sustainable fashion but surely there is nothing more ethical than altering or upcycling your existing wardrobe? Learn now to stitch, repair, alter and make with us at the Fashion Technology Academy.
