Proud to be a Part of It – Made in the UK

Newsletter 16th February 2022

The Green Light For A Closed Loop Textile Recycling System

Fantastic news from Fashion-Enter Ltd (FEL) Wales, the FEL team have forged a relationship with Potter Group, the largest private waste management company in Wales. Together they have developed a Feasibility Study into the creation of a closed loop textile recycling system that will produce novel fibres for use in the production of new types of wool-blend yarns for manufacturing woven cloths for fashion apparel.

Eddie Bebb, Commercial Manager at FEL Wales said: “SMART Cymru have reviewed our a novel fibre, yarn and cloth ecosystem proposal. They have given us the green light to proceed with the feasibility phase and will give financial support when key milestones are achieved.

“The work is to be done as a collaborative R&D Project in conjunction with local waste disposal company “Potter Group” (who are also our landlords). Both parties will have a kick off meeting with the appointed SMART Cymru case worker this Friday.”

This is brilliant news for FEL Wales and the development of sustainability in the fashion and textiles sector. More on this soon.

CRF Workers’ Rights First Cohort

This week 40 workers’ from Onyx Fashion Ltd, a supplier for the online fashion etailer I Saw It First, began their Level 1 Workers’ Rights course with the FCFTA (Leicester) team.

Cllr Adam Clarke, Deputy City Mayor commented on LinkedIn:

‘I remember the moment when I realised we had to make FTA Leicester happen. 

‘I’d just visited a factory, one of many I went to in 2020 – to learn about the industry and to reassure compliant manufacturers that their work was important to the future of the city – and that together we could lead by example. A holistic training and learning entity providing everything from workers rights and English language to high end skills became more than an aspiration – it became a no-brainer, a need, because of three or four conversations that all pointed in the same direction.

‘Seeing this photo of the first cohort of learners enrolled on the Workers Rights accredited Fashion-Enter Ltd / FashionCapital training course (with Onyx supported by ISAWITFIRST.com) makes me very proud indeed.’

Frank Hanson, Head of Prevention and Partnerships at the GLAA, added on Twitter: ‘Great to see. Big shout out to Onyx for demonstrating importance of educating workers of their rights.’

Further meetings with manufacturer’s on the CRF (Community Renewal Fund) initiative are taking place today. More from this brilliant programme in due course.

Today from 4pm – Fashion-Enter at the Leicestershire Innovation Festival

Taking place from 4pm today via Zoom FCFTA (Leicester) Manager Jackie Bertram will be hosting ‘How to Make Your Fashion Business Succeed Today’ as a part of the Leicestershire Innovation Festival programme of events. 

If you would like to drop in and listen tap here to book your place to receive the Zoom link. Jackie will talk about how to successfully market your company and gain funding as well as compliance and regulation, auditing and sales, along with the education and skills that the FCFTA provides.

Saturday School: Gain Pattern & Technical Skills 

What if you could save time and eliminate waste by ensuring your design concept fits the body BEFORE it is made? The Telestia method will teach you how to technically design your garments and create patterns that achieve the perfect fit, shape, size and style first time, every time. 

Gain these essential skills in just 12-weeks with a combination of Saturday classes and online tutor support, starting 26th February at the FC Designer Workspace in north London, tap here to find out more.

“I would recommend Telestia, as in this world of everything online and everything digital you are a bit on your own. It’s very difficult to find a good class where you are able to have online access, so you can work with your own schedule, but also the support of a human being, who can direct you and correct your mistakes and lead you to progress quicker. I really found this in Telestia, and to be honest I have been amazed by my own progress and results.” – Past student.

New Apprenticeship

Just in…Lyle & Scott is looking for a Product Development and Garment Technologist Apprentice. Tap here to view all the details and apply.

Next Week: Sustainable Fabric Sourcing

Next Wednesday 23rd February, fabric expert Mark Dodds will be joining us to deliver his highly recommended ‘Sustainable Fabric Sourcing’ masterclass.

Previous attendees commented:

“A lot of up-to-date, useful and applicable knowledge for the industry.”

“Very professional, very well organised, nothing wasted, information-packed 2-hours and he answered Q’s along the way with ease. Highly credible, an asset to Fashion-Enter masterclass series.” 

“Very informative without information overload.”

For details on this masterclass and to book your place tap here.

Masterclasses & Courses

Sustainable Fabric Sourcing (23 February)

Technical Design and Pattern Cutting CAD Course (26 February 12-weekly Saturday classes with online support)

Optitex 2D & 3D 3-Day Course (1 March)

Fashion-Enter Ltd & Kornit Digital – Innovation in Manufacturing (3 & 4 March – for manufacturers’)

Meet Designer Louisa Parris (17 March – free)

Fabric Swatch of the Week

This week we have picked out a beautiful sky-blue hammered satin, perfect for spring designs and soft furnishings, available now at FCFabricStudio at £6- per metre.

This Week on FashionCapital

Rising from the Ashes: How Retailers Can Come Back Stronger in 2022.

And Finally…

Next week, Friday 25th February, Fashion-Enter will be speaking at the ‘Collective Fashion Show’ in Leicester. To find out more about this charity event and all the designers and businesses involved tap here.

Until next time, have a great week.