See You at Source Fashion Next Week! 🇬🇧
30-06-2026
Newsletter 1st July 2026
Source Fashion Trade Show London
The countdown is on for Source Fashion at ExCeL London, opening on Tuesday 7th July, FEL will be exhibiting within the British Pavilion alongside the ATMF and a selection of Leicester-based suppliers. The opening day will also see our CEO Jenny Holloway join industry leaders for a panel discussion, “The Reality of Manufacturing in the UK,” sharing honest insights into the challenges and opportunities facing British manufacturers, from rising costs and supply chain pressures to building resilient, transparent partnerships for the future.
And that’s not all, Fashion Technology Academy tutor and designer John Herrera will be hosting a Fashion Deconstructed workshop on Fabric Manipulation and Textile Embellishment. This inspiring hands-on session will showcase innovative techniques that transform fabrics into beautifully textured, eye-catching surfaces, encouraging creative experimentation while exploring sustainable approaches to textile design.
With its biggest-ever dedicated British section, Source Fashion promises to be an unmissable event for brands, buyers and manufacturers alike. Be sure to visit FEL (on Stand E14) and ATMF (on stand C3), as well as catch Jenny’s seminar at 1.30pm.
Source Fashion 7th – 9th July at ExCeL London, to register, visit: https://www.source-fashion.com/
Jenny Calls for Greater Support for UK Garment Manufacturing
This week, FEL CEO Jenny Holloway took to LinkedIn to highlight what she believes is a major imbalance in the UK’s fashion funding landscape. While recognising the important role of the British Fashion Council in promoting British fashion globally, Jenny questioned why significant public investment continues to flow into the design sector while UK garment manufacturers receive little support.
In her post, Jenny highlighted the pressures facing factories across the country and called for greater recognition of the skilled pattern cutters, machinists, stitchers and production teams who underpin the industry. She also questioned why more public funding isn’t being directed towards strengthening domestic manufacturing, safeguarding jobs and supporting UK production.
Following visits to international manufacturing hubs and witnessing the level of government backing provided overseas, Jenny is continuing her campaign for increased investment in British manufacturing and greater public procurement of UK-made garments.
The conversation has already generated significant engagement online, shining a spotlight on the vital role manufacturing plays in securing the future of the UK’s fashion industry.
Want to have your say? Join the conversation here
Why Hire an Apprentice? Invest in the Future of Your Business
Following the fantastic achievement of six NEXT apprentices gaining Distinctions under Fashion-Enter Ltd’s apprenticeship programme, now is the perfect time for more fashion and textile employers to discover the benefits of taking on an apprentice.
Apprenticeships are a cost-effective way to develop the skills your business needs while bringing fresh ideas, enthusiasm and new talent into your team. With government funding available for eligible employers, apprenticeships can help boost productivity, address skills shortages and build a loyal workforce, with around 90% of apprentices remaining with their employer after completing their training.
At FEL, we work closely with employers to deliver industry-focused apprenticeships that are tailored to your business, ensuring apprentices gain practical skills while contributing to your company’s success from day one.
If you’re looking to strengthen your workforce and invest in the future of UK fashion manufacturing, we’d love to hear from you. Contact Lan: lan@fashion-enter.com to find out how an apprenticeship could benefit your business.
Apprentice Sewing Machinist Required – Telford Based
Looking for an apprenticeship? This Apprentice Sewing Machinist opportunity in Telford the West Midlands offers hands-on experience, industry training and the chance to earn while you learn.
The ideal candidate will develop practical skills, gain real workplace experience and build a career in an industry that values technical talent.
Tap here to find out more about this apprenticeship.
FTA Inspires Students at New River College Medical
On Wednesday 24th June, FTA’s Head of Education, Lan Leeder, visited New River College Medical in Islington to deliver a creative arts and crafts workshop for students. New River College Medical is an alternative provision for children and young people with medical and/or mental health and wellbeing needs.
The session centred around decorating tote bags, giving students the opportunity to explore design techniques, express their creativity and build confidence through hands-on making. Alongside the practical activity, Lan introduced students to the range of courses available at the FTA, as well as the many training pathways and career opportunities within the fashion and textiles industry, helping them see fashion as both a creative outlet and a future career.
Reflecting on the visit, Lan said: “It was lovely to engage with the students at New River College Medical. The group was very creative and artistic, as reflected in their tote bags! Thank you to New River College Medical for organising the session.”
Develop Your Tailoring Skills with Francesco Vuoto
Looking to take your tailoring skills to the next level? This September, the Fashion Technology Academy is launching a range of professional tailoring courses at its Islington campus, taught by renowned tutor Francesco Vuoto.
Since joining the FTA in 2020, Francesco has shared his extensive industry expertise with students, drawing on more than 12 years’ experience in fashion and bespoke tailoring, including work with prestigious Savile Row houses Edward Sexton and Richard Anderson.
The new courses include Trouser Making, Waistcoat Making, Coat & Jacket Making, Bespoke Pattern Making, and the Level 3 Certificate in Tailoring. Participating students will gain hands-on experience, industry-led training and the technical skills needed for today’s fashion industry.
Places are limited, so early booking is recommended. To find out more or enrol, contact education@fashion-enter.com
Discover Your Creative Future – Open Day | Thursday 16th July
Thinking about a career in art, fashion or design? Join us at our Open Day on Thursday 16th July to find out more about our UAL Level 3 Diploma & Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication, starting this September.
Based at our FC Designer Workspace in Islington, this full-time course is perfect for 16–18-year-olds looking to develop their creative skills through hands-on projects, specialist workshops and industry-focused learning. You’ll build a professional portfolio, explore areas including illustration, fashion, textiles and digital design, and prepare for university or a creative career.
Come along to meet our experienced tutors, explore our creative studios, view student work and discover where this exciting course could take you.
Course starts: September
Open Day: Thursday 16 July Tap here to register.
Location: FC Designer Workspace, 9 Durham Road, Islington, London N7 7FB
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 Day Workshops
4th July – Saturday Draping Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £45 + eventbrite fee
7th July – Free Repair & Upcycling Drop In Session – FC Designer Collective shop – Free please register
10th July – Free ReFAB X FEL Upcycling Community Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – Free, please register
16th July – Fashion Technology Academy Open Day – Islington Campus – FC Designer Workspace – Free, please register
For all course enquiries contact: education@fashion-enter.com or call 0208 809 3311
This Week on FashionCapital…
And Finally…Learn to Drape
We are privileged to have the expertise of designer John Herrera this Saturday for an inspiring Draping Workshop – one of fashion’s most creative design techniques. Working directly with fabric on the stand, you’ll explore shape, balance and movement while bringing your ideas to life in three dimensions. Whether you’re building your portfolio, refining your design skills or developing your own collection, this hands-on workshop will help you think beyond flat patterns and transform your creative vision into beautifully draped garments. To join this Saturday workshop 10am – 4pm tap here.
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital / Fashion-Enter Ltd
