Royal Recognition: FEL Honoured with King’s Award
06-05-2026
Newsletter 6th May 2026
Exciting News…Just Announced
Fashion-Enter Ltd is celebrating an incredible achievement…it has just been announced that FEL is the recipient of the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise 2026 in the Sustainable Development category – one of the UK’s highest business honours. Approved by King Charles III, the award recognises FEL’s leadership in driving sustainability across fashion manufacturing and education, placing the company among an elite group of organisations recognised for excellence since 1965.
At the core of this success is FEL’s pioneering micro-factory model, which combines advanced technology with ethical, UK-based production. Through agile, low-volume manufacturing, digital innovation, apprenticeships, and a strong focus on garment repair and repurposing, FEL is helping to redefine responsible fashion and set new industry standards.
Next, Fashion-Enter Ltd will be invited to attend a Royal reception and will be formally presented with the award by a Lord-Lieutenant. The company will also be entitled to use the King’s Awards emblem for the next five years, symbolising excellence and achievement.
FEL CEO Jenny Holloway praised the dedication of the team and the support of partners including Style3D, Maeknit, United Repair Centre, and Alvanon. The award not only celebrates FEL’s achievements to date but also reinforces its mission to lead sustainable innovation and shape the future of the fashion industry.
Read all about this momentous achievement here
Free Mend It May Workshops in London and Leicester
Join us this Mend It May with free events taking place across London and Leicester, celebrating creativity, sustainability, and community skills.
At the FC Designer Workspace in London
As part of the ReFAB Studio X FEL series, supported by The Clothworkers’ Company, the FC Designer Workspace in Islington is hosting a series of free upcycling workshops. The initiative brings together the community to learn and develop practical green skills while boosting confidence and wellbeing.
Using luxury reclaimed fabrics, participants transform offcuts into high-quality lifestyle products such as cushion covers, make-up bags and totes. These free workshops are open to the public and are running throughout the summer until September.
The next workshop will take place Friday 8th May – to find out more and register your place visit the FashionCapital UK eventbrite page
At the Fashion Hub Leicester
In line with Mend It May the Fashion Hub in Leicester is running a hands-on repair & upcycling workshop designed for fashion professionals, creatives and sustainability advocates. Taking place 26th May, this session explores practical and innovative ways to extend the life of garments, reduce textile waste, and rethink design through a circular lens. Participants will gain both technical skills and creative inspiration to integrate repair and upcycling into their practice or business.
To find out more and book your free place tap here
Fabric & Sample Sale – Friday 8th May FEL Haringey
FEL is hosting a special Fabric & Sample Sale our Haringey HQ. This is a great opportunity to access a wide range of end-of-roll fabrics and samples at incredibly low prices, perfect for your own projects, practice, or upcycling ideas.
Whether you’re continuing your sewing journey, developing new designs, or simply looking for inspiration, there will be plenty to explore.
Fabric & Sample Sale, Friday 8th May, 9:00am – 4:00pm at FEL, Unit 4, Crusader Industrial Estate, 167 Hermitage Road, Haringey, London, N4 1LZ.
This is a one-day-only event, and we expect popular items to go quickly, so we’d recommend arriving early if you can.
Continued Support For Free Upcycling & Repair Drop-In Sessions
We are thrilled that Islington Council have confirmed continued support for our community repair and upcycling drop-in workshops held at the FC Designer Collective shop on Fonthill Road. Thanks to Islington Council these sessions are free and open to the public. Held twice a month participants can bring in clothing or projects from home, gain expert advice and use of the equipment.
The next session is due to take place Tuesday 12th May, if you would like to attend please register here.
Join The Great British Wool Revival Summit
Fashion Roundtable has unveiled The Great British Wool Revival Summit, set to take place on 20th May in partnership with The King’s Foundation at the historic Dumfries House. Positioned as the first “farm to fashion” event of its kind, the summit will unite farmers, manufacturers, designers, brands and innovators for a truly immersive “clip to consumer” experience. Through a curated programme of panel discussions, workshops and live demonstrations, the event aims to foster collaboration, share expertise and strengthen links across the British wool supply chain, with a strong emphasis on provenance, craftsmanship and regeneration.
Part of the wider Great British Wool Revival initiative founded by Tamara Cincik, the summit will also introduce a dedicated farmer-to-maker matchmaking element, designed to spark meaningful cross-industry partnerships. Confirmed speakers include Kate Hills and Kirsty McGregor, with additional names to be announced. With a limited guest list to ensure meaningful engagement, the summit marks an important step in championing British wool and building a more connected, resilient UK textile industry.
Tap here for an Industry Day ticket
And here for an Education Day ticket
Open Days For Level 3 Diploma Course in Creative Practice
Applications are now open at the Islington campus of the FTA for the UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Creative Practice, starting September 2026. Designed for 16–18 year olds, this dynamic course offers an inspiring, hands-on route into higher education and creative careers.
Blending practical workshops with industry-standard techniques, research-driven projects, and opportunities to build confident presentation skills, the programme equips students with everything they need to thrive in the world of art and design.
Tap on the link to find out more about the course, if you would like to meet the team, ask questions, visit the campus and try out the equipment upcoming Open Days will be held on:
All between 10am–2pm, FC Designer Workspace, 9 Durham Road, Islington, London, N7 7FB. Early registration is advised as places are limited
Courses Workshops and Masterclasses
Roll-on courses:
Available at all campuses Islington, Haringey and Leicester.
UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Creative Practice
1 & 2 Day Courses and Workshops:
7th May (Every Thursday) – Drop In Sewing and Pattern Cutting – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
8th May – Free ReFAB X FEL Upcycling Community Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – Free please register
8th May – Introduction to Pattern Making: Skirt block – FTA Haringey – £45 + eventbrite fee
9th May – Saturday Draping Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
12th May – Free Repair & Upcycling Drop In Session – FC Designer Collective shop – Free please register
More courses for the coming weeks can be found here.
For all course enquiries contact: education@fashion-enter.com or call 0208 809 3311
This Week on FashionCapital…
Fashion-Enter Ltd Recognised at Small Business Growth Awards 2026
And Finally…
Leicester Made & Regions 2026 in pictures, were you there? See if you can spot yourself. A big thank you to our official photographer Felicity West for capturing all the exhibitors, speakers, and events throughout the day.
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital / Fashion-Enter Ltd
