Manufacturing’s ‘First Lady’ Has Arrived!
18-03-2021
Newsletter 17th March 2021
Manufacturing’s ‘First Lady’ Has Arrived!
Last week, 10th March, Drapers published an in-depth interview with our very own CEO Jenny Holloway. Titled as manufacturing’s ‘First Lady’ the article by Jill Geoghagen revealed Jenny’s backstory and went on to discuss her drive for ethical ‘Made in the UK’ production, training for the next generation and her on going plans for Leicester and Newtown, Wales alongside London.
The article opens with: ‘Jenny Holloway, founder and CEO of not-for-profit manufacturer Fashion-Enter Ltd, is at the vanguard of a boom in domestic sourcing, upskilling the industry and making fast fashion sustainable.’
To view and read the full interview tap here.
Drapers image of Jenny Holloway by Fabio De Paola.
FEL’s Reusable Isolation Gown Discussed in the House of Lords
On the 11th March 2021, Lord Young of Norwood Green (Labour) addressed Lord Bethell, The Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Social Care (Conservative) at The House of Lords. Lord Young stating that he was on the Advisory Board of a clothing company (FEL) in Haringey in an unremunerated capacity.
He asked: ‘Can the minister explain why a high quality SME capable of making reusable PPE gowns which are RFID tagged, washable up to 70 times, proven to be cost effective, better for the environment and supports local employment, is not being awarded with a contract?’
Lord Bethell responded, that while it’s frustrating not to have reusable PPE with a fully sterile gown it is difficult to have reusable protocols in place due to the amount of fluids involved. He did, however, say that he would be open to the Noble Lord / company writing to him with the details and would pass this on to the right people. Hopefully an opening for the reusable isolation gown to be considered for other branches of the NHS?
A big thank-you to Lord Young of Norwood Green for bringing this matter to the House of Lords.
Ashley Family Foundation Donation to Fashion-Enter Wales
We are delighted to announce that our Fashion-Enter factory in Wales has been awarded a donation of £10,000 from the Ashley Family Foundation. This will be used to pay for the training services of top quality trainer that has worked in the industry for 45-years. The trainer started at the age of 16 and worked for the big suppliers of M&S including S R Gent. The aim is to increase efficiency in the factory by 33% whilst the machinists are highly experienced, they require specialist training and this generous donation from the Ashley Family Foundation, formally the Laura Ashley Foundation, will help in safeguarding the 77 jobs. We are extremely grateful and would like to thank the Ashley Family Foundation for this opportunity.
Jobs Currently Available
We are currently recruiting in-house for an Assistant Designer and a Junior Pattern Cutter Please tap on the links. Looking for an apprenticeship or job in the fashion industry then visit our jobs section on the FCFTA tap here to view.
Affordable Workspace and the FC Designer Collective
In preparation for the next phase within our business support services for creative brands and emerging designers we are working with Islington Council to bring a unique Affordable Workspace to the borough. The aim is to bring a circular economy to the borough of Islington allowing local entrepreneurs to maximize their full potential and to grow further by having space to sell their product. The workspace will operate alongside the existing FC Designer Collective shop located on Fonthill Road, London N4.
Currently the FC Designer Collective shop is closed due to lockdown, but this will reopen on 12th April when non-essential shops can reopen. The plans for the Affordable Workspace are well underway with a launch date for the end of June 2021.
10% Off Your First Shop at B of London
As we mentioned last week we have just launched the new B of London website and so far our wedding and bridesmaid styles have proved a big hit! To celebrate the launch we are offering 10% off your first shop. Looking for a new dress? Then come and visit https://theboflondon.com/ designed and made in the UK.
N17 Creative Callings FREE Informative Masterclasses
We have a fantastic online masterclass agenda coming up featuring a broad range of industry experts. From fashion designer Louisa Parris to Make It British pioneer Kate Hills and many more. You can find the masterclasses listed and explained here. These masterclass are free for N17 Creative Callings participants please email jenni@fashion-enter.com to confirm your place.
If you have just started or are looking to grow a small business in the Tottenham CEZ area, then please get in touch and we will advise on how N17 Creative Callings, supported by the Mayor of London and the European Social Fund, can help you and your business. To find out more visit: http://n17creativecallings.com/
The masterclasses are also available to non-N17 Creative Callings participants, if you are interested in attending please book via the FashionCapital website. Please note there is a small charge however, if you are a FashionCapital member you can receive a 20% discount.
Health & Safety Ready
We are now starting to welcome learners and staff back into the Academy. In preparation a member of the team, Callum Holloway, has undertaken a series of training courses with the NHS to ensure a level of understanding and competence is present. To view all the certificates awarded from this training please tap here.
The Factory and Academy regularly update in-house policies to ensure that all our staff, learners and visitors are safe. These policies will be regularly reviewed as and when new information is released.
Welcome back learners!
Dissertation Support Seminar
Due to demand on Tuesday 16th March 2021, Fashion-Enter held an online seminar to support fashion students compiling their dissertations on the UK fashion industry. With a focus on supply chain, production and ethical practices Fashion-Enter’s Production Director Caroline Ash gave insightful and frank insight into the industry today.
Feedback included: “It was great to get an insight from a factory supplying fast fashion. I have learnt a lot about ethics within garment manufacturing. I really enjoyed the session, thank-you so much for organising it, it was really insightful!” – Jess
Masterclasses and Courses Coming Soon…
The Fashion Technology Academy offers continual roll-on roll-off courses in Perfect Patterns and for the Stitching Academy at both Level’s 1 & 2. The next intake for Perfect Patterns is 5th April and for the Stitching Academy 12th April. Eligibility criteria apply for those living in London, employed on a low wage earning less than £20,962.00 annual gross income OR unemployed and in receipt of JSA, ESA/Income Support, Universal Credit. Evidence to be provided at the time of enrolment, including passport.
If you are interested and would like to know more please contact: Tel: 0208 809 3311
Email: education@fashion-enter.com
Fully Booked
Our April Gerber 3-day beginners course is now fully booked, the next dates available for this course will be 7th, 8th and 9th June, classes are kept small to ensure a high standard of tuition to secure your place book now.
Learning from Home eTelestia Online Courses:
Fashion Design Technical Drawing
Level 2 Telestia Diploma in APD
Masterclasess:
Online Telestia Pattern Cutting Course
N17 Creative Callings: Diary of a Fashion Designer Louisa Parris
Sustainable Fabric Sourcing with Mark Dodds
N17 Creative Callings: Your Omnichannel Strategy – How to Launch on Ecommerce
Gerber Accumark 3-day Course for Beginners – June
N17 Creative Callings: How to Do Your Own PR
Fabric Swatch of the Week
Our fabric pick this week is this abstract print jersey featuring faded green, pink, black and white tones, easy to work with and perfect for wrap dresses and tops. Available now at the FCFabricStudio at £4- per metre.
This Week on FashionCapital.co.uk
Pan-European Design Protection: Considerations for the Fashion Sector Post-Brexit.
And Finally…
Welcome Zoe! She is our first apprentice at our Welsh factory. Zoe will start on the Level 2 Stitching programme just after Easter break. Good luck!
Until next time, have a great week!
