Leicester to Lead UK Onshoring
18-03-2025
Newsletter 5th February 2025
Leicester – Resilient and Innovative
The media has painted a very bleak picture of Leicester’s fashion and textile industry over the past few years, however, we at Fashion-Enter Ltd have been working from the grassroots up and have seen factories adapt and invest in their businesses, resulting in blossoming trade. Yes, Leicester has had its fair share of poor practices and business closures but that should not take away from those that continue to evolve and offer real on-shoring opportunities for UK brands and retailers.
FEL’s CEO Jenny Holloway wrote a passionate Linked In post on this very topic earlier this week and the response has been fantastic.
Mohammed Patel, Business Development Manager at Textile Recycling Association:“Very well said Jenny Holloway, unfortunately journalism is now all about clickbait and simply being lazy and regurgitating old stories. Leicester is hub of manufacturing and we are most certainly seeing a revival. Looking forward to attending the Leicester made event on the 14th May.”
Leena Bansal, Fashion Growth Strategist:“A powerful and much-needed perspective, Jennifer! Leicester has a strong heritage and undeniable potential in on-shoring, and it’s refreshing to see a spotlight on the resilience and innovation within the industry. Excited to see how the Leicester Made event showcases this momentum!”
Join Us For Leicester Made 14th May
Key Highlights include:
🔹 Trade Show – Explore a curated exhibition of Leicester’s finest manufacturers, showcasing trims, fabrics, and apparel production while connecting brands with sourcing opportunities.
🔹 Fashion Show & Exhibition – Celebrate Leicester’s creative talent as emerging designers showcase their work to key industry decision-makers and manufacturers.
🔹 Panel Discussions – Gain insights from industry experts on sustainability, manufacturing innovation, and ethical supply chains.
🔹 Keynote Speakers – Be inspired by visionary leaders sharing innovative ideas that will shape the future of the fashion and manufacturing industries.
🔹 CEO Roundtable – A high-level forum where industry leaders, government, and brands will discuss actionable steps to revitalise British manufacturing and build a sustainable future.
🔹 Schools, Colleges & Universities – A dedicated platform for students to learn from industry experts, gaining inspiration and insight into careers in ethical fashion and manufacturing.This event is not just about discussions—it’s about driving real change. Be part of shaping a sustainable, ethical, and innovative future for UK fashion and manufacturing.
For all enquiries, please contact: beth@fashion-enter.com
If you would like to attend Leicester Made 2025 please tap here
FTA External Moderation
The Fashion Technology Academy recently received an external moderation from the Skills & Education Group, specifically on the Level 1 and 2 courses in Fashion and Textiles.
The FTA team are pleased to announce that the moderation was a success, and the feedback included:
‘This is an excellent centre, delivering high quality courses and preparing learners with qualifications to gain them entry to the Fashion and Textile Industry.’
‘The moderated Fashion and Textile courses have been developed over the years and the centre is dedicated to delivering high quality, well planned courses in a professional environment that enables all learners to progress in the garment industry. Staff are dedicated teachers and determined to deliver for success with all their learners. All qualified staff are professionals in the industry. The CEO is very hands on and ensures continued success on all the courses delivered.’
Lan Leeder, FEL’s Head of Education said, “I am proud of all of the teaching staff at the FTA because not only are they experts at what they do, but they are also amazing people who care so much about the learners achieving far more than a qualification. The feedback provided to the learners is clear, constructive, and positive, and the tutors consistently deliver excellent courses.”
Fashion Hub X Twin Group Workshops
Last week (29th January) the FTA’s Fashion Hub in Leicester hosted its fifth workshop with Twin Group. The participants are referred by Twin Group and consist of individuals wanting to explore skills, training and employment options in the fashion and textile sector. The sessions are going extremely well with many wanting to join Level 1 courses.
For more information on the courses and workshops held at the Fashion Hub Leicester please contact: divya@fashion-enter.com
Join Us – Receptionist & Administrator Required
Would you like to join the FEL team? We currently have a job opening for a Receptionist & Administrator based at our Haringey head office. The ideal candidate will provide excellent front-of-house service, manage administrative tasks efficiently, and support the daily operations of the office. If you are a proactive and organised professional looking to join a growing company, we would love to hear from you!
Contact: beth@fashion-enter.com
Places Available: Fashion Design and Business Level 3 Diploma
If you are going to be a 2025 school leaver and would like to learn about creating and launching your own fashion brand we have the perfect course for you: Creative Practice: Fashion Design and Business – Level 3 Diploma.
This two-year course will develop and extend your creativity with stimulating and challenging studies. You will increase your skills and knowledge by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic fashion workplace situations, activities, and demands required by the industry.
This full time course is delivered by Capital City College and Fashion-Enter Ltd, to find out more and apply tap here
Masterclasses and Courses
Roll-on courses:
Available at all campuses Islington, Haringey and Leicester.
Diploma in Fashion Design and Business
Stitching:
10 February – 4-Day Intermediate Stitching Course Mastering Garment Construction – FC Designer Workspace – £110
17 February – 4-Day Introduction to Industrial Sewing and Garment Making – FC Designer Workspace – £110
21 February – 1-Day Beginners Upcycle Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £35
Pattern Cutting:
17 February – 2-Day Beginners Pattern Cutting Skirt and Bodice with Sleeves – FTA Haringey – £70
19 February – 2-Day Darted Bodice Pattern Cutting – FTA Haringey – £70
Repair and Upcycling Drop In:
11 February – Repair and Upcycle Drop-In – FC Designer Collective shop, Fonthill Road – Free
25 February – School Uniform Repair Workshop – FC Designer Collective shop, Fonthill Road – Free
Support and Advice:
26 February – Be Your Own Boss Masterclass – 1-hour Online interactive masterclass – Free
For all course enquiries contact: education@fashion-enter.com or call 0208 809 3311
This Week on FashionCapital…
One of the most frequently asked questions at FashionCapital is ‘How do I write a Business Plan?’ Want to know…tap here.
And Finally…
With New York Fashion Week underway it will soon be the turn of London. Did you know FEL’s Fashion Studio makes show samples for a wide range of clients, some of which will be gracing the LFW catwalk! While we can’t show you who or what we’re producing, we can say that our Fashion Studio team in Haringey are a super talented bunch that can support with pattern and production services.
Need a helping hand with your designs? Get in touch by emailing: thefashionstudio@fashion-enter.com
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital
