Rapid Swatch & Development for Knitwear Coming to the UK Soon
23-04-2025
Newsletter 19th March 2025
Fashion-Enter Ltd X Maeknit Inc
Exciting times, Fashion-Enter Ltd (FEL) has joined forces with US based MAEKNIT INC. to open a new HQ for rapid swatch, sampling and development services for knitwear at FEL’s main site in Haringey.
Both organisations share a vision of ‘Fast Slow Fashion’, combining 3D virtual sampling and expert guidance. Maeknit’s system allows small brands to compete with large retailers without the typical barriers – no minimum order quantities, no long lead times and no bad suppliers. Established brands can also streamline their processes by purchasing only what they need, with quick replenishment in 2-3 weeks.
Preparations are underway and an official launch will be announced in due course.
Tonight: Legislating Against Modern Slavery in Supply Chains
This evening, Fashion-Enter Ltd CEO, Jenny Holloway, has been invited by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK to the handbook launch of Legislating Against Modern Slavery in Supply Chains. The book is comprised of lessons from parliamentarians, guidance from businesses and advice from civil society.
In October 2024 20 Commonwealth parliamentarians attended FEL’s headquarters in Haringey for a presentation and tour. This was followed by a request for Jenny’s insight into modern slavery within the fashion and textile sector which has been included in the handbook.
As a board member of the Fashion Roundtable and now Chair of the ATMF, Jenny is well positioned to relay the real issues affecting the industry and push forward strategies for positive change.
The handbook is available to download for free, visit https://www.uk-cpa.org/ and register to receive your copy.
Leicester Made For End-To-End Services
Leicester really does offer full end-to-end services for brands which is why Leicester Made trade event, 14th May, is such an important showcase. Alongside Leicester’s exhibitors the day is filling up with speakers and panel attendees from government and industry.
Speakers will include:
Liz Kendall – Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, MP for Leicester West
Danny Gazit – Chief Product Officer, Kornit Digital
Simon Platts – Co-Founder, SP & KO Limited
Bill McRaith – Executive Advisor, Future-Proof Fashion
Thami Schweichler – CEO, United Repair Centre
Louise Laing – Founder, Phygital Twin
Chris Desai – CEO, UOCEAN
Tap here to view the agenda, 14th May at Athena, Leicester, and to register your place.
MakeUK Skills Commission Final Report Event
On 1st April Jenny has been invited to a MakeUK Industrial Strategy Skills Commission (ISSC) event to mark the publication of the Commission’s final report. This will include recommendations for Government on how the new Skills and Growth levy can best ensure meaningful reform to address industry needs.
The report brings together some of the most qualified experts in education, training and industry to diagnose the wide scale problems in the skills system. Manufacturers continue to struggle with over 61,000 unfilled vacancies, while apprenticeship starts have fallen 42% since the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy. The challenge now is how to reverse this trend and ensure we have the skills for the future of the industry.
Global Recycling Day
Yesterday, 18th March, the spotlight was on Global Recycling Day. As you can see in this short YouTube video we have been recycling since 2006 in a variety of ways, and we are continually updating our recycling methods, such as working with FAB Materials, to ensure our textile waste is at a minimum.
Quality Visit From CCCG
On Friday, March 14th, Fashion-Enter had a quality visit from Capital City College to evaluate various aspects of its training provision. Overall, Fashion-Enter successfully met the requirements in all areas, receiving a rating of ‘Low Risk.’
David Dangana , Chief Learning Officer at Capital City College commented: “The learners are progressing well on programme. They are working on their final major project and are all in line to complete their work successfully. The tutors are appropriately qualified and they work with CCC staff for assessments and verification. The ratio of teachers to learners is good. Fashion-Enter are a low risk provision as the quality of provision is good and the report indicates this.”
Lan Leeder, Head of Education said: “The teachers at Fashion-Enter are all trained professionals, and we excel at delivering courses that cater to the needs of our learners. During the quality visit, we received a ‘Low Risk’ rating in all areas, which would not have been possible without the team at the FTA. We genuinely care about our learners and their success.”
Masterclasses and Courses
Roll-on courses:
Available at all campuses Islington, Haringey and Leicester.
Diploma in Fashion Design and Business
Stitching:
24 March – 2-Day Stitching Course: Mastering Dress and T-shirt Construction – FC Designer Workspace – £70
26 March – 2-Day Stitching Course: Mastering Skirt and Trouser Construction – FC Designer Workspace – £70
31 March – 4-Day Introduction to Industrial Sewing and Garment Making – FC Designer Workspace – £110
Pattern Cutting:
20 March – 2-Day Darted Bodice Pattern Cutting Course – FC Designer Workspace – £70
24 March – 2-Day Dress Pattern Cutting Course – FC Designer Workspace – £70
27 March – 2-Day Trouser Pattern Cutting Course – FC Designer Workspace – £70
31 March – 4-Day Beginners Pattern Cutting Course – FC Designer Workspace – £110
Repair and Upcycling Drop In:
25 March – School Uniform Repair Workshop – FC Designer Collective shop – Fonthill Road – Free
Support and Advice:
26 March – Masterclass: From Design to Production – Getting It Right First Time – 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 in Four US and UK Fashion Retailers are Shrouded in Supply Chain Fog, Reveals New Report
And Finally…Expert Advice
Don’t forget to join us next Wednesday 26th March for our free monthly masterclass, this session will be on ‘From Design to Production – Getting It Right First Time’. Key topics will include:
✔ Specification Charts – The foundation of accurate production
✔ Size Charts – How and where to measure correctly
✔ Toiles & First Fit Approval – Ensuring the right fit before production
✔ Sealing Process – Understanding red, green, black, and gold seals
✔ Working with Your Factory – Building strong, effective partnerships
✔ AQL (Acceptable Quality Level) – Managing quality control standards
The masterclass will take place via Zoom from 10 – 11am, all you need to do is tap here and click to reserve your spot.
Plus, a quick congratulations to Leicester Skills Bootcamp participant – Kajal Premji on gaining employment with Barrie Knitwear as a Trainee Linker!
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital
