Made in the UK On the Rise
20-01-2021
Newsletter 20th January 2021
Leicester FTA On the Radio
This week kicked off with a radio interview regarding the new Leicester Fashion Technology Academy. Fashion-Enter CEO Jenny Holloway was joined by Deputy City Mayor, Councillor Adam Clarke to discuss the exciting initiative on BBC Radio Leicester with mid-morning show host Ben Jackson. Jenny said: “Leicester has the largest manufacturing cluster in the whole of the UK. The demand for ‘Made in the UK’ has never been higher than now, I think this is an excellent time to announce this initiative.”
The textiles industry in Leicester came under fire last year with reports of lockdown issues and infringements of people’s rights, however as Ben and Jenny explained the new training centre will provide the opportunity to readdress the balance, focus on its impressive hub of textile and manufacturing businesses along with a well accomplished heritage. “With the new training centre we want to attract a new generation of people to come into garment manufacturing and really embrace the huge skill base that there is there.” Jenny said.
The interview was live on Monday 18th January and you can listen again for up to 28 days after, tap here and forward to 34 minutes into the programme.
Press and Enquiries
Since going live with the launch of the Leicester FTA we have received hundreds of enquiries. Press has been forthcoming too with coverage in Just-Style and EcoTextile. The feedback on Jenny Holloway’s LinkedIn page has been outstanding with posts focusing on ‘bringing UK production home’ receiving 35,000 and another with over 40,000 reactions!
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 register to receive more information about the new Leicester Fashion Technology Academy, email Fashion-Enter Ltd at education@fashion-enter.com or visit the website at www.fcfta.com
A New Vision for the Fashion Industry – Fashion Roundtable Meeting
Today, 20th January, Fashion Roundtable has brought the diverse voices of the fashion, retail and textiles industry, (including Fashion-Enter) together for a roundtable meeting, to ensure that our industry across all areas, can be as effective as industries, such as film, fishing, music or pharma. All of which, even when combined, make far less than fashion for the UK economy. The aim is to nurture the same policy ambitions and outcomes that we are seeing for other industries. This requires a new, strategic and highly collaborative approach. FashionCapital will report on the outcome of this meeting in due course.
Kickstart Program with Cambrian Training
We are delighted to confirm that we have a new trainee stitcher joining the Welsh Team – Olivia! Olivia is joining us on the Kickstart program with Cambrian Training and we have big plans for the future!
Government Announces Prompt Payment Code Reforms
An overhaul of the Prompt Payment Code (PPC) to crack down on delayed invoices owed to small businesses has been announced by the government this week (19th January).
Under new reforms, companies that have signed up to the Prompt Payment Code will be obliged to pay small businesses within 30 days – half the time outlined in the current Code.
Poor payment practices are still rife, with many payments delayed well beyond the current 60-day target. Currently, £23.4 billion worth of late invoices are owed to firms across Britain, impacting on businesses’ cash flow and survival. The aim is that the reforms will help to build a culture of prompt payment between companies and challenge UK businesses to change their practices and stand by small partners at a critical time for the UK’s economic recovery.
To find out more tap here.
Fashion Studio – Sampling Rate Increase
We need to inform Fashion Studio clients that we will be increasing the CMT rate from £27p/h to £27.50p/h as of March 1st 2021.
Kornit Livestream Event
We have joined forces 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 and will see 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.
Just In: 2 New Apprenticeship Positions
Lolly & Kiks, a bags & accessories brand, requires two apprentices to join its small and creative studio in north London. Brand founder Xandra Kike is looking for a pattern cutter apprentice and a sewing machinist apprentice to be a part of her exciting start up brand. To find out more and apply tap the links.
Tomorrow: FC Virtual Meet Up With Caren Downie
Tomorrow from 3pm Caren Downie will be joining Fashion-Enter CEO Jenny Holloway to discuss her career and pass on invaluable advice on the fashion industry and how to start your own brand. Caren’s knowledge and experience is exemplary; having been a former Topshop Buying Director, ASOS Buying Director, Finery London Brand Director, ByOcular Brand Director & Founder and now Fashion Director of Lemonade Dolls, she has been at the forefront of building fashion brands for over twenty years. Tap here to find out more and join this online discussion.
Do You Want to Save Money?
Masterclasses and Courses
FC Virtual Meet Up with Caren Downie
Sustainable Fabric Sourcing Zoom Masterclass
How To Do Your Own PR with Rosie Davies-Smith
(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
In need of a colour fix? We love this burnt orange hammered satin, lightweight and silky it is perfect for shirts, bias cut skirts and dresses. Available now at £6.00 per metre from the FCFabricStudio.
This Week on FashionCapital.co.uk
‘Retailers now have to re-justify their High St outlet costs in the face of the combined onslaught of e-commerce and Covid, putting aside vanity for better business practice.’ Paul Markevicius discusses the plight of retail in the UK & how major restructuring is required to ensure its survival: Retail Sector Blueprint For Survival: How?
And Finally…
Today all of the SMT is attending the yearly Strategy Meeting where our CEO goes through “what’s on your mind and what’s on your desk!” Each department reviews their annual figures and provides genuine feedback on performances with expectations for future business. Good luck and enjoy everyone!
